1. FC Kaiserslautern remain unbeaten for the fifth game in a row. The away game at Türkgücü München was won 2:1 by the Palatinate side thanks to an early double strike – also because the Türkgücü keeper helped out.
Türkgücü’s interim coach Alper Kayabunar changed his left side compared to the 0-0 draw at Viktoria Berlin: Vrenezi and Scepanik started for Türpitz and Römling. Kaiserslautern coach Marco Antwerpen, who was replaced on the bench by Frank Döpper due to a yellow suspension, also made two changes compared to the 4:0 against Viktoria Köln: Schad and Tomiak replaced Hercher and Klingenburg.
In light snowfall at the deserted Munich Olympiastadion, the Palatinate side got off to a lightning start. Hanslik headed in Zuck’s cross after just five minutes to give FCK the lead, and 120 seconds later Ciftci increased the lead to 2-0 after a goalkeeper error by Flückiger. The home keeper’s shot slipped through his fingers, and Türkgücü’s horror start was perfect.
Only Sliskovic punishes sloppy Lauterians
Türkgücü had to shake after the double blow, Kaiserslautern meanwhile switched down two gears. Towards the end of the first half, the home side took control of the game, but only managed to get into the penalty area with inaccurate crosses.
After the restart, the Munich side continued to dominate the game and were finally rewarded after 55 minutes: Sliskovic only had to push a cross from Vrenezi over the line after a beautiful counterattack. Kaiserslautern were thus punished for their carelessness, but the Palatinate side then acted more consistently again.
Mavraj against the post
Türkgücü only had one good chance in the remainder of the second half through Mavraj, but the captain’s finish only hit the far left post. As substitute Huth also missed the decisive goal on the other side, the score remained 2-1 for FCK.
Türkgücü, who remain deep in the relegation battle, host SC Verl next Saturday (2pm). Kaiserslautern, meanwhile, reduce the gap to the top and are challenged by Braunschweig on Sunday.
