Kaiserslautern lost in Elversberg 2-1 Friday night. It is its third loss to the team from the neighboring Saarland in three seasons. (Facebook/1. FC Kaiserslautern)
The third time was not the charm for the Red Devils as they lost in Elversberg Friday night for the third straight season. The team from neighboring Saarland won the match in its sold-out stadium 2-1.
In five second division meetings with SVE, Kaiserslautern has only won once, at home in the 2023-2024 season.
FCK coach Thorsten Lieberknecht made one change to his starting lineup, bringing newcomer Naatan Skyttä for an indisposed Daniel Hanslik.
Elversberg got off to the better start with FCK keeper Julian Krahl making numerous saves. However, it was a misunderstanding between Krahl and Maxwell Gyamfi that led to Elversberg’s first goal in the 43rd minute.
Luca Schnellbacher stole the ball and after getting a pass back from a teammate, scored the goal past the Kaiserslautern keeper.
In the second half, the Red Devils evened the score when Elversberg goalkeeper Nicolas Kristof fouled Faride Alidou in the box. Richmond Tachie converted the penalty in the 79th minute for the 1-1.
Three minutes later, it was Tachie who almost put the Red Devils out front, but Kristof was able to make the save.
It looked like the game was heading for a tie, but in the second minute of stoppage time, Elversberg scored the winning goal when FCK could not clear the ball following a corner. Frederik Schmahl knocked in the winner.
The loss leaves Kaiserslautern in 13th place ahead of the rest of the weekend games. Elversberg climbs into fifth.
The Red Devils have yet to score from play this season, with both of their goals coming off penalty kicks.
They will get a chance to change that on Aug. 31 when they host SV Darmstadt 98 at 1:30 p.m. at Fritz Walter Stadium.
August 23, 2025 8:59
