Despite a missed penalty and unfortunate actions, 1. FC Nürnberg can take a point away from the dominant Kaiserslautern team at home.
1. FC Kaiserslautern dominated for long stretches in the 1-1 (1-0) draw against Nuremberg, but still had to give up a point. A late penalty played into the guests’ hands, who hadn’t always looked happy before. Hanslik scored for the Red Devils to take a 1-0 lead (45th), Knoche equalized late on with a penalty (90th+4).
It seemed to be a wasted day from Nuremberg’s perspective: the club got in its own way several times on Saturday evening. The fifteenth-place team missed a penalty and didn’t look good with the hosts leading 1-0. But the bit of luck was ultimately on Nuremberg’s side.
Lieberknecht has to change
1. FC Kaiserslautern had to really rebuild. Compared to the win against Karlsruhe, FCK coach Torsten Lieberknecht had to rotate in five positions and, among other things, was without goalkeeper Prtajin (torn hamstring). However, this did not affect Lauterer’s dominance at the start of the game; the home team started the game dominantly.
FCK’s first chance after nine minutes: Haas received a long ball on the left and crossed it into the center. Hanslik won the header duel against Lochoshvili and put the ball on goal, but the club keeper parried easily.
FCN misses a huge opportunity
Then suddenly the guests have a huge opportunity. After a pass from Justvan, Drexler went down in the Lauter penalty area. Referee Stork had the scene checked by the VAR. Haas hit the Nuremberg player on the right ankle: a penalty for the club – and a huge chance to take the lead.
But on the run-up, penalty taker Justvan slipped away and put the ball a good two meters over the goal. A missed opportunity that really hurt the Nuremberg team.
Haas substitution as a security measure
The Red Devils then continued to increase the pressure on Nuremberg and repeatedly fought for the ball in midfield. After a swerve against Yilmaz, Joly shot from a half-right position (21′). FCN goalkeeper Jan Reichert had to stretch to block the shot over the goal. The FCK repeatedly created opportunities in the Nuremberg half, especially through Haas.
After a yellow card for a foul on Markhiev, FCK coach Lieberkneckt exercised caution and substituted Haas after 38 minutes. This didn’t affect Lautrer’s dominance.
Double bad luck for the FCN
Shortly before the half-time whistle, the fans on Betzenberg were finally able to cheer. Justvan carelessly allowed the ball to be taken from him. Drexler tried to clear, but played the ball directly into the feet of Hanslik, who took it straight away and shot into the bottom right corner for a 1-0 lead (45th).
There was almost a direct response from the Franks. The ball almost hit Lubach right at his feet. But his shot lands over the goal. Another chance that the club should have taken advantage of.
More courageous performance after the restart
After the half-time break, the guests appeared more present, gained more possession of the ball and advanced into the opponent’s half more often. Ten minutes after the restart, Markhiev narrowly missed the equalizer. Shortly before the edge of the penalty area he tried it from the left side from a fairly free position, but his shot went just over the crossbar.
The Red Devils managed the lead confidently. The club appeared more dynamic and aggressive than in the first half, but the hosts didn’t really give them a chance until shortly before the end.
Second gift for Nuremberg
Then the second time a huge opportunity for Nuremberg. After a throw-in from Knoche, the Red Devils couldn’t get the ball out of their own penalty area. Elvedi then unfortunately hit Lochosvhili’s ankle instead of the ball. Nuremberg didn’t miss this great opportunity: Knoche scored and ensured the late equalizer and the final score of 1-1.
Kaiserslautern in Düsseldorf, Nuremberg against Braunschweig
Kaiserslautern will be guests at Fortuna Düsseldorf on Sunday lunchtime (1:30 p.m.). Nuremberg welcomes Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday afternoon (1:00 p.m.).