On the evening of August 4th at 7:30 PM, the German second division kicks off with a match between Ulm and visiting Kaiserslautern.
Ulm, which was competing in the third division last season, is now a promoted team in the current season’s second division. Over 38 matches, they achieved a record of 23 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 77 points to secure the third division championship and thus the promotion. In those 38 games, the team scored 65 goals and conceded 38, showcasing a generally balanced offensive and defensive performance.
This team was playing in the regional leagues just two seasons ago but has made a double leap to reach the second tier of German football. Historically, they have had their own “Kaiserslautern miracle”; in the 1997-98 season, they were promoted to the second division and won the title as a promoted team that same season. They went on to compete in the Bundesliga in the 1998-99 season. It’s worth noting that in the 1995-96 season, they were still playing in an amateur league, making this a memorable moment in German football history.
Now, the team returns to the second division after a six-year absence, hoping to repeat its own fairy tale and achieve a triple leap in three years. The team is currently ready to go, with no players on the injury list.
Kaiserslautern did not perform well in last season’s second division, securing only 11 wins, 6 draws, and 17 losses over 34 games. They finished the season with 39 points, ranking 13th in the league table, only seven points above the relegation zone. During the final rounds, they narrowly avoided being drawn into the relegation battle.
In pre-season friendlies, the team recorded seven wins and one loss in eight games, a good record, but it came at a high cost. An injury crisis hit, with Frank, Redondo, Hass, Achah, and Zuck all suffering various injuries. Their return to the pitch will likely take some time, which is not good news ahead of the new season.
The two teams have never faced each other in history. Ulm is a balanced team both offensively and defensively, while Kaiserslautern is stronger in attack but weaker in defense. Both sides are highly motivated for this match and eager to start the new season with a victory.
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