Nordhorn-Lingen defeated Essen 32-29 in the second Bundesliga on Saturday, extending their winning streak to two matches. The hosts sit twelfth with just one point from three games, while the visitors occupy fifth place after two consecutive victories.
Essen's campaign has been difficult so far. They have drawn twice and lost once, accumulating a single point. Nordhorn-Lingen, meanwhile, remain unbeaten with four points from two matches, and this win puts them firmly in the upper half of the table.
There is history between these sides. On 29 May, Nordhorn-Lingen edged Essen 35-34 in what was a tight contest. By then, Essen had already shown signs of vulnerability, having dropped points in previous outings. The pattern has not changed much.
Essen's recent results offer little comfort. They beat Leipzig 36-33 and won against Hamm-Westfalen 39-30, but those victories have been followed by a draw and now this defeat. The team cannot afford another slip if they want to climb the standings.
The gap between the two teams in the table is significant. Essen trail Nordhorn-Lingen by eleven points, and the visitors have played one fewer match. That means Essen face a difficult task if they hope to close the distance.