Course of the game
In a fast-paced opening period, the Red Bulls were the better team with the more dangerous offensive moments. DEG goalkeeper Henrik Haukeland had his hands full, but could not be beaten. Düsseldorf also failed to score on their own counter-attacks and so both teams went into the dressing room at the first break goalless.
The Red Bulls continued to dominate the game in the middle period. The hosts defended with great commitment and repeatedly created counter-attacking opportunities. There were chances on both sides, but it wasn't until the 38th minute that Brendan O'Donnell scored with a direct shot in superior numbers to give Düsseldorf a 1:0 lead at the break.
It took just 67 seconds in the final period for DeSousa to equalize for Munich after Yasin Ehliz's assist. The four-time German champions then pressed vehemently for the opening goal. In the 46th minute, Rieder beat Haukeland with a backhand from an acute angle to make it 2:1. The Red Bulls now confidently kept DEG away from their own goal and repeatedly made offensive pinpricks. Just under three minutes before the end, Haukeland left the ice for a sixth skater, but the Munich defense held and the Red Bulls took their fifth win in a row with the 2:1 in Düsseldorf.