1. FC Kaiserslautern has won its first points of the new season. Coach Dirk Schuster’s team beat promoted SV Elversberg 3-2 (1-0) on Friday evening in a game that was sometimes dramatic in the second half.
In front of 42,621 spectators in the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, FCK took the lead after a hand penalty by Kevin Kraus in the 21st minute, but after the break Manuel Feil (47′) and Semih Sahin (62′) initially turned the game in favor of the Saarlanders . Ragnar Ache (68th) and Jean Zimmer (79th) brought the home side back in front.
Elversberg had more of the game in the first half and also the majority of opportunities, but the Palatinate scored the only goal. Kraus initially scored from a corner, but was ruled offside. Because Kaiserslautern striker Terrence Boyd had previously headed Carlo Sickinger’s hand, video evidence showed that a penalty was awarded, which Kraus safely converted.
In the second round it went back and forth. In added time, Elversberg’s Luca Schnellbacher almost scored to make it 3-3, but FCK goalkeeper Julian Krahl caught the shot just before the line and saved his team’s three points.
Wiesbaden wins at home
Promoted SV Wehen Wiesbaden has temporarily taken the lead in the table. The Hessians beat Karlsruher SC 1-0 (1-0) on Friday evening and, after their cup loss at third-division club 1. FC Saarbrücken, brought the Badeners their first defeat of the season in the league as well. In front of 10,626 spectators, Hyun-Ju Lee scored the 22nd-minute goal as SVWW, who are still unbeaten this season, have now gained seven points.
The initial phase of the game belonged to the dominant guests. Wiesbaden goalkeeper Florian Stritzel saved his team from an early deficit against both Lars Stindl (8th) and Daniel Brosinski (10th). On the other hand, Lee scored the lead with a fine curl from 17 meters, which gave the home side additional security.
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Shortly before the break, Karlsruhe goalkeeper Patrick Drewes prevented the visitors from falling behind against Robin Heusser, who vehemently pushed for an equalizer in the second half. However, the Hessians had the best opportunity when Kianz Froese failed with a well-placed shot from 18 meters at Drewes.
