2. Bundesliga: Nürnberg extend winning start with comfortable victory over Bielefeld

Nürnberg climbed back to the top of 2. Bundesliga standings after beating Arminia Bielefeld in a Topspiel clash.

Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Nürnberg extended their winning start to the season with their fourth win in all competitions. Miroslav Klose’s side scored three first-half goals on their way to beating Arminia Bielefeld 4-1.

Mohamed Ali Zoma put the hosts in front in the 11th minute with a solo strike. 2. Bundesliga’s sought-after attacker easily dribbled past Bielefeld’s defense after picking up the ball in Nürnberg’s half before beating Jonas Kersken.

Tom Janisch doubled their advantage in the midpoint of the half with a superb finish from Finn Becker’s cross. Since Zoma scored all the goals in the opening day against Dynamo Dresden, the 21-year-old became only the second player to score at Max-Morlock-Stadion this season.

Before the half-time break, Adam Markhiev, who was sent off in the last friendly against Real Oviedo, became the third player. The midfielder equalled his last season’s tally with his long-range effort deflected by Stefano Russo on its way to the net.

Jan Reichert started the season in top form in Nürnberg’s goal, and he made a couple of good saves to keep the visitors at bay. Markhiev scored another goal from outside the box after the restart, with no deflection needed this time for his superb attempt.

Reichert made more saves at the other end before he finally conceded following a lapse of concentration from Nürnberg’s defense. Marius Wörl beat the shot-stopper with a measured strike from range after intercepting a casual one-two between Javi Fernández and Kristian Mandić.

Nürnberg will face Holstein Kiel next weekend, while Arminia Bielefeld will be at home against St. Pauli on Friday. Hertha BSC is the only other team with a perfect record after three rounds in 2. Bundesliga.