Mit breiter Brust auf den Betzenberg

Promoted Kaiserslautern finally back in the 2nd Bundesliga

Thanks to the cheers of the 27,306 spectators at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, 1. FC Kaiserslautern won the championship in the 3rd division on Saturday afternoon. The “Red Devils” won 3-0 (1-0) against relegated Türkgücü München.

The goals for the Palatinate team, who have been waiting for promotion for eight years, were scored by Daniel Hanslik (23rd minute), Terrence Boyd (64th) and Aaron Opoku (90th + 1). A week after the promotion of promotion rivals Eintracht Braunschweig, the third division championship is now perfect for Kaiserslautern. According to the schedule, FCK will start the season in the 2nd Bundesliga at home against Hannover 96 on July 15th.

In March, Kaiserslautern had laid the foundation for the rise under their new coach Dirk Schuster. After a manageable start, the Palatinate set off a series of wins of eleven league games in a row. Kaiserslautern's good form continued in the second half of the season. FCK only had to accept two defeats in the final sprint.

In front of a sold-out house on Betzenberg, the home side started the game against Türkgücü München on Saturday in pouring rain. The hosts, who had not played for three weeks due to a corona quarantine, found their way into the game better in the first few minutes. Terrence Boyd had a great chance to take the lead for the Palatinate after just six minutes, but the American failed in front of Türkgücü keeper Osman Kose.

After a phase in which both teams neutralized each other, the Lauterer took the lead. After a cross from Nicolas Sessa, Hanslik headed in from close range in the 23rd minute - the 1-0 lead at the break.

After the change of sides, Türkgücü acted more offensively and got promising chances. But Kaiserlautern goalkeeper Andreas Luthe saved the lead several times in an entertaining game. As the game drew to a close, the “Red Devils” hit twice: Boyd (64th) and Opoku (90th + 1) made the promotion perfect. Captain Jean Zimmer was particularly enthusiastic: “It's unbelievable how we were cheered on. I got goosebumps.”