BSG Chemie Leipzig vs 1. FC Magdeburg

The match was played in an unusual 4×30-minute format, agreed by both clubs as part of Chemie's season-opening event. Magdeburg — preparing for their second consecutive 2. Bundesliga campaign — dominated possession in the opening quarter but found Chemie's compact defensive structure difficult to break down.

Richmond Tachie opened the scoring in the 15th minute (16th per MDR), finishing from close range after Baris Atik's delivery from the left. Chemie responded well and nearly equalised through Elias Kratzer, who forced a sharp save from Dominik Reimann in the 18th minute. The equaliser arrived in the 38th minute (40th per FCM data): Kratzer drove down the left flank, bypassed Paul Jaeckel, and beat Reimann at his near post to make it 1-1. The scoreline held through the first two 30-minute periods.

Both managers made wholesale changes at the hour mark. The fresh Magdeburg side reasserted control immediately. Pierre Nadjombe — one of the substitutes — headed home from Alexander Nollenberger's left-wing cross in the 64th minute to restore the lead. Twelve minutes later, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng's cross was turned into his own net by Chemie's Philipp Wendt (76') to make it 3-1. Kwarteng added a fourth from the penalty spot in the 101st minute after Nollenberger was fouled in the box.

The wholesale double substitution after 60 minutes proved decisive. Chemie's first-choice XI had matched Magdeburg for intensity and created the better chances — Kratzer also went close in the 44th minute, and Luca Bürger fired just over the bar. But the changes disrupted the hosts' rhythm while Magdeburg's deeper squad — featuring recently returned winger Kwarteng — exploited tiring legs. Nadjombe's 64th-minute header, scored within four minutes of the restart, gave the visitors a lead they never looked like relinquishing.

Pierre Nadjombe (1. FC Magdeburg) — Player of the Match. Scored the crucial 64th-minute header that put Magdeburg back in front and was involved in the build-up to the third goal. His impact off the bench changed the game's trajectory.

Elias Kratzer (BSG Chemie Leipzig). The Chemie newcomer scored the equaliser with a fine solo run and was a persistent threat on the left flank in the first hour. He also forced a save from Reimann early on and had another chance shortly after his goal. A promising audition for the Regionalliga season ahead.

Moritz-Broni Kwarteng (1. FC Magdeburg). Recently returned to the club after a stint at VfL Bochum, the winger assisted the third goal and converted the late penalty. His creativity off the bench changed the game's tempo.

Richmond Tachie (1. FC Magdeburg). Opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 15th minute and remained a threat until substituted.

The provider data captures only two goals (Tachie 15', Kratzer 42') because the 4×30-minute format with wholesale changes means secondary events from the second half are not recorded in the standard feed. The 1-1 half-time scoreline reflects an even first hour; the 4-1 full-time score underscores Magdeburg's squad depth advantage. Chemie had won all four of their previous pre-season friendlies heading into this match (against Schweinfurt, Eichstätt, Wiedenbrück and Hannover 96 II) but had not faced a side of Magdeburg's calibre. Attendance was 4,999 — a sell-out at the Alfred-Kunze-Sportpark.

For BSG Chemie Leipzig, this was their first defeat of pre-season after four consecutive wins. They travel to a training camp in Luson (South Tyrol) before a final friendly against FC Wacker Innsbruck on 18 July, followed by the Regionalliga Nordost opener at home to SV Babelsberg on 26 July.

For 1. FC Magdeburg, this was their first public test following a week-long training camp in the Oberpfalz. Both Baris Atik and Doyoung Yoon left the match early with knocks — Yoon with a knee issue, Atik with back trouble. The FCM face FSV Schöningen (18 July), SC Paderborn (25 July) and West Ham United (1 August) before the 2. Bundesliga kicks off at home against Eintracht Braunschweig on 8 August.

A productive workout for both sides. Chemie proved they can compete with a second-division opponent for 60 minutes, and Magdeburg's deeper resources and quality off the bench — particularly through Nadjombe and Kwarteng — told as the match wore on. The 4×30-minute format served its purpose: maximum minutes for both squads in pre-season conditions, though the early injuries to Atik and Yoon will be a concern for Petrik Sander's staff.