Arminia Bielefeld vs MSV Duisburg

The match was played in an unusual 4 x 30-minute format — a common approach in high-intensity pre-season friendlies — giving both coaching staffs ample opportunity to rotate and assess fitness levels.

MSV Duisburg took the lead in the 30th minute. Simon Symalla played a clever ball into the path of Christian Viet, who drove forward and squared across goal for Patrick Sussek to tap into an empty net past advancing goalkeeper Jonas Kersken.

Bielefeld responded well. Jonny Grodowski fired a long-range effort just wide in the 37th minute, and Joel Felix headed over from a Tim Handwerker corner two minutes later.

The equaliser arrived in the 51st minute. Marvin Mehlem won the ball back energetically in midfield, Marius Wörl kept the move flowing, and after an initial shot was blocked, Mehlem recycled the ball to Momuluh, who swept a low finish into the bottom-left corner from eight yards out.

The closest either side came to a winner arrived in the final quarter. Benjamin Boakye powered down the right flank in the 119th minute and pulled back for Roberts Uldriķis, whose near-miss allowed Isaiah Young to fire the rebound over the bar. It was the last clear chance of the afternoon.

Taddel Momuluh (Arminia Bielefeld) — Scored the equaliser with a composed finish and was a persistent threat on the flank throughout the first hour. His movement caused Duisburg problems all afternoon.

Patrick Sussek (MSV Duisburg) — Took his goal clinically and had a second shortly after, seeing his shot deflected narrowly wide in the 33rd minute. A lively display from the Duisburg forward.

Max Braune (MSV Duisburg) — The Duisburg goalkeeper made important saves to deny Boakye and Uldriķis in the third quarter, keeping his side level.

Jonas Kersken (Arminia Bielefeld) — Left exposed for the goal but dealt comfortably with crosses and was well protected by his defence for the remainder.

The provider data shows two goals from seven shot events in the match, with both sides creating roughly equal chances across the 120 minutes. Bielefeld enjoyed more possession in the first hour, particularly after the equaliser, while Duisburg grew into the contest during the second half of the match after both sides made wholesale changes. The 1-1 scoreline accurately reflected the balance of play — neither side dominated, but both had clear opportunities to win it.

Arminia Bielefeld, preparing for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season, remain unbeaten in pre-season after wins over Peckeloh, Gütersloh, SC Imst and Bologna. Kirch's side open their league campaign away at Karlsruhe.

MSV Duisburg, who start their 3. Liga season on 8 August at home to Meppen, showed encouraging signs against a side one division above them. The Zebras face another test next Saturday in Rotterdam.

A productive workout for both sides. Bielefeld's ball retention and pressing in the first hour were promising, while Duisburg proved they can compete with higher-division opposition. The 4 x 30-minute format made it a fitness exercise as much as a competitive fixture, but the intensity was genuine throughout.