2. BL: Stalemate as Elversberg and Darmstadt share the points

In a meeting between two sides hovering around the business end of the table, the occasion ultimately fizzled out, with both teams cancelling each other out on their way to a 0-0 stalemate that will feel like a missed opportunity for each camp.

Darmstadt had the first big opening inside ten minutes. Isac Lidberg lost his marker just inside the box and found himself one on one with Nicolas Kristof, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar. The league’s joint top scorer Younes Ebnoutalib threatened for the first time around the 20-minute mark, but his shot was too central and comfortably pushed away by Marcel Schuhen.

Elversberg grew into the contest from there and did most of the probing. Their best chance came from a corner on the stroke of half time, with danger man Ebnoutalib forcing Marco Richter into a crucial block to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

The second half drifted by with neither team able to take control, and the goalkeepers remained largely untested. Darmstadt appeared content to sit off and invite Elversberg forward, but Vincent Wagner’s side struggled to find their rhythm and grew visibly frustrated as the half wore on.

Ebnoutalib was involved again in the game’s standout late chance ten minutes from time, latching onto a through ball only to fire over Schuhen’s goal when well placed, confirming the points would be shared.

Elversberg fail to win for the fourth time in their last five outings and miss the chance to climb into second. Darmstadt, meanwhile, record their third goalless draw of the campaign and finish the weekend in fifth place.