Home premiere

After two more test matches in Schönebeck (6–0) and in Brandenburg (3–1), the new team was presented to the home fans on Friday. Opponent was Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, but to be honest, it might have been better to play an opposition who actually had any intention of putting up a fight.
In front of about 3,000 spectators, 1. FC Magdeburg dominated the first half and should have scored at least three times, but a combination of good saves and ineptness prevented that. Wolfsburg did not really produce anything, despite having Bundesliga topscorer Edin Dzeko with them.
After the break things changed a bit, Magdeburg scored off a corner, when a deflected ball reached Maik Georgi (who miraculously has convinced yet another manager of his value). However, Wolfsburg struck back immediately, when Magdeburg cleared a corner into the center and the Wolfsburg player who conveniently stood there fired a shot in from 20 yards.
Magdeburg still should have won the game as Wolfsburg did not change their passive attitude, but Eddy Vorm’s 35-yard lob missed the goal by two feet.
In all the spectators saw a performance that offers some hope for the new season, as the team produced some good passing display and did create danger up front. All of this must of course be seen in the context of ongoing pre-season training and the fact that these players mainly have met for the first time only two weeks ago – there should be improvement until the first Regionalliga match in Lübeck.

In other news, Magdeburg have a new shirt sponsor who apparently pays between 300k and 500k euros per season in the next two seasons. The old shirt sponsor also stays with the club as sponsor, ony „slightly reducing“ their commitment.