(Facebook/1.FC Kaiserslautern)

The 1.FC Kaiserslautern put up a strong defensive performance but couldn’t get anything past VfL Wolfsburg’s goalkeeper in a scoreless draw to begin the 2.Bundesliga campaign Saturday evening on the road.

Making his debut for the Wolves, 18-year-old Jakub Zielinski made three key saves on strikes from the Red Devils. Finnish midfielder Naatan Skyttä twice sent the ball toward the net — in the seventh and 56th minutes. Then, in the 70th minute, forward Ibrahim Kanaté came on for his first appearance for FCK and put Zielinski under pressure, only for the Pole to keep it scoreless.

Wolfsburg created a couple of chances themselves, but led by keeper Julian Krahl, the Red Devils clinched a tie with a shutout of their own thanks to a defense led by keeper Julian Krahl, who also got a little help from the post on a shot by Hauke Wahl in the 41st minute.

After opening the season with promotion-favorite Wolfsburg, things don’t get easier for FCK. The Red Devils take on rival Karlsruher SC in the Pfalz-Baden derby on Aug. 15 at Fritz Walter Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CET.