1. FC Köln, 1. FC Nürnberg, and SV Werder Bremen are doing better than expected this season. They show strong play in their leagues.
1. FC Nürnberg faced relegation last season but made a strong return to the 2. Bundesliga. Coach Thomas Oostendorp led them to second place with 62 goals, the third best in the league. Players like Medina Dešić and Nastassja Lein helped a lot.
They started slow with just 3 points in five games. But now their attack scores 3.9 goals per match on average. A 5:3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt was exciting. They must improve defense to stay safe from relegation.
1. FC Köln had tough years but is getting better now. New coach Britta Carlson changed the team's plan and added players. Marina Hegering and Pauline Bremer make defense and attack stronger.
They do well on set pieces and lead the teams fighting relegation. Carlson wants more ways to attack. The team looks set to stay in the league.
SV Werder Bremen sits in third place, a big surprise. New coach Friederike Kromp took over after some players left. They have more points already than all last season. Good defense and smart attack help them.
Larissa Mühlhaus scores key goals. They earn points even against top teams. They need to keep this up for the rest of the season.
