Lukas Michelbrink played the full match in the German 2. Bundesliga as Energie Cottbus suffered a 3-4 home defeat against Greuther Fürth.
The 20-year-old Lithuanian international midfielder once again started for Cottbus, who were playing their second home match in a row after being knocked out of the DFB-Pokal last weekend by Bundesliga side Augsburg.
The match started well for the hosts, with Michelbrink’s team taking the lead as early as the sixth minute. Cottbus also thought they had added a second midway through the first half, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.
Greuther Fürth found their way back before the interval, equalising from the penalty spot in stoppage time to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half eventually turned into a goal-heavy contest. Until the 70th minute, the visitors led 2-1, but the final stages brought chaos. Cottbus drew level through Tolcay Cigerci, only for Greuther Fürth to respond with two unanswered goals and move into a 4-2 lead.
The home side pulled one back in stoppage time, but there was not enough time left to complete the comeback as Michelbrink’s team suffered their second league defeat in three matches.
Michelbrink played the entire match and has now featured in all four of Cottbus’ games at the start of the season – three in the league and one in the cup.
Cottbus will return to action next Saturday, when they travel away to face relegated Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
