The victory, courtesy of a brace from Isaac Boakye and another from Christian Eigler, gives the Bavarian club a huge advantage ahead of the return leg in Nürnberg on Sunday.

Vidosic made a late substitute appearance for Nürnberg and was involved in the lead-up to Boakye's second in the 89th minute, while Spiranovic wasn't in the matchday squad.

Deep into the contest, Vidosic attempted to wind down the clock near the corner flag before twisting away from two Cottbus defenders and allowing Marek Mintal to assist Boakye for the late goal.

Earlier Boakye had given Nürnberg a 13th minute lead before Eigler doubled the lead ten minutes into the second-half after a well-weighted ball from Daniel Gygax.

Nürnberg were by the far the better side and considering they enjoyed the best home record in the 2.Bundesliga this season, they will feel confident of finishing the job on Sunday.