Reese penalty gives Wolfsburg first 2. Bundesliga win; Grodowski hat-trick fires Bielefeld past Cottbus

Niedersachsen derby decided late

The first Niedersachsen derby in the 2. Bundesliga in 30 years ended 1-0 to VfL Wolfsburg, with new signing Fabian Reese converting an 87th-minute penalty to secure the relegated side's first win and first goal of the season. Wolfsburg had opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. For Hannover 96, the defeat was their second in two matches, having lost 3-1 at Energie Cottbus on the opening weekend.

Wolfsburg coach Tobias Strobl made three changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Joakim Maehle, Yannick Gerhardt and Mattias Svanberg in place of Robert Glatzel, Mathys Angely and Kilian Fischer. The visitors began passively, ceding possession to Hannover, who controlled the first half without creating clear chances. What was missing was the final decisive pass. After about 25 minutes Wolfsburg shed their caution, but Gerhardt found Leo Weinkauf equal to his efforts twice in quick succession in the 25th and 26th minutes. Maurice Neubauer had the best opportunity for the hosts in the 36th minute, played in by a fine through-ball from Hartel, but was denied by Wolfsburg goalkeeper Jakub Zielinski.

Weinkauf and Hartel debut for 96

Hannover coach Christian Titz made a goalkeeper change after just one match, replacing Pascal Loretz, who had started the 3-1 loss at Cottbus, with Leo Weinkauf. Weinkauf also saved from Maehle in the 43rd minute. Marcel Hartel, signed only days earlier, made his starting debut for 96. Before kickoff, Hannover announced a contract extension for forward Lars Gindorf through June 30, 2029.

The second half was characterised by physical battles and few clear chances. Strobl reacted at halftime, replacing Fraser Hornby with Glatzel. Titz introduced Benjamin Källman and Benedikt Pichler in the 62nd minute and later made a triple substitution. Substitute Ime Okon headed against the crossbar in the 78th minute. Reese then held his nerve from the spot to settle the match. After the DFB-Pokal first round next weekend, Wolfsburg travel to Karlsruhe on August 29, while Hannover play at Darmstadt a day later.

Grodowski hat-trick lifts Bielefeld

Arminia Bielefeld bounced back from their 1-2 opening-day defeat at Karlsruher SC with a 3-0 home win over Energie Cottbus, with Joel Grodowski scoring all three goals. The 28-year-old had an early goal disallowed for offside in the 20th minute before finding the net twice in eleven minutes, scoring in the 26th and 37th minutes, the second with a lobbed finish. He completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 76th minute.

The win put Oliver Kirch's side level on points with Cottbus, who had opened their season with a 3-1 victory over Hannover 96. The match was Bielefeld's home debut of the season. Cottbus, who must cope without striker Erik Engelhardt for months due to cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries, lacked attacking ideas and penetration. Grodowski continued to trouble the visitors' defence throughout. Bielefeld's Benjamin Boakye missed a late chance to extend the lead further.