1. FC Kaiserslautern soccer fans cheer on their team during a match at Fritz Walter Stadium. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
1. FC Kaiserslautern plays its last game of the year Sunday, hosting 1. FC Cologne at a sold-out Fritz Walter Stadium at 1:30 p.m.
Both teams are charter members of the Bundesliga, and Cologne was its first champion in 1964. It also came out on top in 1978. FCK took the title in 1991 and 1998.
Now in the second division, the teams are vying for a place at the top of the standings going into the winter break.
Cologne goes into the 17th week of the season in second place, behind surprise leader Elversberg, with 28 points. The Red Devils are in fourth place, just two points behind despite last week’s 5-1 loss in Darmstadt.
Theoretically, seven teams have a chance to be in first place Sunday night, depending on how the games go.
Kaiserslautern will still be missing striker Ragnar Ache, midfielder Kenny Prince Redondo and defender Jean Zimmer, who are out with injuries.
When the league revs up again in 2025, the Red Devils will be at home on the Betzenberg, hosting SSV Ulm Jan. 18, at 1 p.m.
December 19, 2024 13:47
