2. BL: Vermeij decisive for second straight week as Dresden claim vital win

The hosts controlled the early stages, dictating the tempo and probing for openings. They almost struck first when Luca Herrmann bent a shot from distance narrowly wide, serving early notice of their intent.

Düsseldorf responded by hitting the post through a Cedric Itten header, but minutes later, on the stroke of half time, Dresden landed the opening blow. Konrad Faber pushed forward and whipped in an inviting cross that sailed over Jesper Daland and fell perfectly for Alexander Rossipal, who drilled home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.

Dresden doubled their advantage less than ten minutes after the restart. Vermeij initially struggled to bring down a Niklas Hauptmann delivery, but he recovered brilliantly, sorting out his feet before lifting the ball over the onrushing Florian Kastenmeier to make it 2-0. The hosts had further chances to put the game beyond doubt but failed to convert, leaving the door open for Düsseldorf.

With six minutes left, the visitors grabbed a lifeline. Itten picked out Christian Rasmussen in the box, and the Dane powered a header into the net to set up a nervy finish. Rasmussen then had a golden chance to rescue a point deep into stoppage time, but he dragged his effort just wide of Lennart Grill’s post, ensuring the points stayed in Dresden.

It’s a second successive victory for Dresden, who climb to 15th and edge out of the relegation zone on goal difference after results elsewhere increased the pressure. For Düsseldorf, it’s a fourth defeat in six, leaving them just one point above the drop zone and glancing anxiously over their shoulders.