U23 fights to stay in the league: Lars Bender says goodbye in drama!

U23 fights to stay in the league: Lars Bender says goodbye in drama!

There will be excitement in Cologne on Sunday, as Fortuna Cologne's U23s will be fighting against Teutonia Weiden in the Jean-Löring-Sportpark from 3:30 p.m. to stay in the Middle Rhine League. However, this match could have more than just the significance of the pitch as it marks the farewell game for veteran player Lars Bender. The 37-year-old has spent most of his years at Fortuna and has made a big impression through his performances and leadership on the pitch. Loud Fortuna Cologne The situation could end bitterly for both teams: a defeat not only threatens relegation for the U23s, but also for their competitors FC Hürth, FC Pesch and FC Hennef, who have to score points in the same breath to overtake Fortuna.

Lars Bender has an impressive track record in his career. From 2014 to 2021 he played 152 times for the first team in the Regionalliga West and the 3rd League. In the last two years he has played an additional 18 games for the U23s and scored two goals. Before he started his time at Fortuna, Bender gained valuable experience at Energie Cottbus, Kickers Offenbach and Eintracht Trier and played a total of 203 games in the 3rd league, winning the national cup four times. His impressive career brought him, among other things, to the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup with Offenbach in the 2012/13 season kicker.de can be read.

The challenges of staying in the league

There is a lot at stake for Fortuna Cologne's U23s, and not just in relation to Bender's departure. Throughout the season, the team has struggled with injuries and a lack of form alongside the usual challenges. Next Sunday could prove to be a turning point if the team manages to find the right solutions and dominate the game.

Nevertheless, the pressure should not be despised: relegation is on the brink and could become a bitter reality for two of the teams involved. The entire team will have to do everything they can to ensure they stay in the league and force a positive end to the season. Players and fans are looking forward to the decisive game and who knows – perhaps Bender's last appearance will create an unforgettable moment.

Inspired by memories

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

So Sunday will be a day for both players and fans to stand together, support and celebrate the time together. Everyone hopes all the more that the U23 not only manages to stay in the league, but also ensures that Bender can say goodbye with a smile on the pitch with a win.