Dynamo Dresden defied the Betzenberg and laid the foundation for remaining in the 2nd Bundesliga. The third-bottom team in the second division drew 0-0 in the dogged relegation first leg at third-division third-placed 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
This means that Dynamo has a good starting position for the second leg on Tuesday in what the police have classified as a “high-risk game” against the four-time champions from the Palatinate. However, it remains the case that the Dresdeners are the only team in German professional football not to have won a competitive game this year.
The 46,895 spectators in the sold-out Fritz-Walter-Stadion saw the courageous hosts in the early stages, who, supported by the enthusiastic atmosphere in the stands, determined the game. Despite the visual superiority, the Red Devils were unable to create any real chances at the premiere of their new coach Dirk Schuster.
The electrifying atmosphere at the Betzenberg made it clear that a lot is at stake for both clubs. FCK wants to get out of the unloved 3rd division after four years. Until a few weeks ago, it looked as if the Palatinate would achieve this goal. But the direct ascent that was believed to be safe, which would bring a financial plus in the double-digit million range, was lost due to three bankruptcies at the end of the season. As a result, coach Marco Antwerpen had to leave.
On the other hand, Dresden’s sports director Ralf Becker spoke of “very important games for the future of the club” in the run-up to the relegation. The messed up season without a threesome in the second half had put Dynamo in a precarious position.
Kaiserslautern and Dresden arrange themselves with a draw
The situation in the game remained the same for the guests after almost 20 minutes. FCK mainly tried to generate pressure with long balls and crosses, while Dresden’s defense prevented clear chances. Dynamo had nothing to offer on offense. In the 20th minute, Paul Will had to go out visibly dazed after a collision. Yannick Stark came in for the midfielder.
Seven minutes later, Terence Boyd posed a real threat in front of the Dresden goal for the first time. Referee Felix Brych had his hands full with the hectic encounter. The veteran needed all his experience to keep the situation under control.
Towards the end of the first half, Dresden came into play better. Coach Guerino Capretti’s team kept Lauterer away from their own goal during this phase and had periods of possession themselves.
At the beginning of the second half, FCK slacked off, Dresden had everything under control against the unimaginative Palatinate – and Christoph Daferner had a good chance (56th). The level of the game was very weak in this phase.
After 70 minutes both teams seemed to have come to terms with the draw.