U23 fights for relegation: Lars Bender says goodbye in the drama!

U23 fights for relegation: Lars Bender says goodbye in the drama!

On Sunday, tension is announced in Cologne, because the U23 of Fortuna Cologne is fighting for the relegation in the Middle Rhine League in the Jean-Löring sports park against Teutonia Weiden. However, this match could have more than just the importance of the square on the lawn, because it marks the farewell game of the experienced player Lars Bender. The 37-year-old spent most of the years at Fortuna and left a big impression due to his performance and leadership on the pitch. According to Fortuna Cologne , the situation could end bitterly for both teams: In the event of a defeat, not only the descent for the U23, but also for competitors FC Hürth, FC Pesch and FC Hennef, who have to score in the same breath to overtake the Fortuna.

Lars Bender has an impressive balance in his career. From 2014 to 2021 he kicked 152 times for the first team in the Regionalliga West and the 3rd league. In the past two years he has played an additional 18 games for the U23 and scored two goals. Before he started his time at Fortuna, Bender gained valuable experience at Energie Cottbus, Kickers Offenbach and Eintracht Trier and completed a total of 203 games in the 3rd division to win the national cup four times. His impressive career brought him to the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup with Offenbach in the 2012/13 season, as also to Kicker.de

The challenges of classic memory

for the U23 of Fortuna Cologne is at stake a lot is at stake, and not only in terms of Benders. In addition to the usual challenges, the team also had to struggle with injuries and a lack of form throughout the season. The coming Sunday could turn out to be a turning point if the team succeeds in finding the right solutions and dominating the game.

Nevertheless, the pressure is not to be despised: the descent is on the brink and could become a bitter reality for two of the teams involved. The entire team will have to do everything possible to secure the relegation and to force a positive end of the season. Players and fans are looking forward to the decisive game and who knows - maybe an unforgettable moment will be created at the last appearance of Bender.

inspired by memories

For Bender it will be an emotional farewell. His heart beats for the Fortuna and the club has become an important part of his life. The big fan base will also remember the many unforgettable moments that they were allowed to experience with him. The journey from the U23 to the big games in the third division and beyond has left its mark on how the data of fbref impressively show.

This will be a day for both players and fans, which can be supported, and celebrating the time together. All the more everyone hope that the U23 will not only make relegation, but also ensures that Bender can be adopted on the pitch with a smile.