Schalke without a defensive star: FCK fights for its first points in the home game!

Schalke without a defensive star: FCK fights for its first points in the home game!

Today, August 9, 2025, 1. FC Kaiserslautern welcomes FC Schalke 04 to the Fritz Walter Stadium, where kick-off will sound at 8:30 p.m. An exciting duel awaits both teams, as Kaiserslautern is aiming for its first points of the season with renewed vigor. After the narrow 0-1 defeat in the opening game against Hannover, the Lauterers are hungry for success. In the first game, coach Torsten Lieberknecht had to integrate some of his new players like Ivan Prtajin and Mahir Emreli into the offensive, but Noel Aseko was Hannover's undoing with the only goal.

Schalke 04, on the other hand, started the season promisingly with a 2-1 win against Hertha BSC, but are now faced with a difficult situation: defender Nikola Katić will not be able to play due to a yellow-red card and a concussion. The defender's absence could have an impact on the stability of Schalke's back row. However, coach Miron Muslic has alternatives, for example considering Taylan Bulut and Mertcan Ayhan as potential replacements for Katić. The return of captain Kenan Karaman is also seen as an important advantage.

Traditional derby fight

The game between Kaiserslautern and Schalke has a long and eventful history. In fact, Schalke have only won one of their ten games against Kaiserslautern since being relegated from the Bundesliga, and that was in the first game of the 2nd Bundesliga. The Lauterers emerged victorious in the last three encounters, making today's fight an iconic derby. However, Daisuke Yokota and Ragnar Ache, who scored goals in recent meetings, said farewell to the club this summer.

On the Kaiserslautern side, the line-up will be supplemented by players like Daniel Hanslik and Richmond Tachie, who will set new accents in the offensive. These and other factors could be crucial in exploiting Schalke's weaknesses, especially since Frank Ronstadt is unavailable due to injury. The Kaiserslautern team will go into the game with the following personnel: Krahl; Elvedi, Gyamfi, Kim; Asta, Kunze, Sirch, Redondo; Knight; Hanslik, Pratajin.

Looking at the statistics

A look at the statistics shows that the 2nd Bundesliga has had many exciting stories to tell since its founding in 1974. Records, overtime of players and promotions and relegations testify to the dynamism of this league. A notable statistic is that of the most goals in a season, which Hertha BSC set with 123 goals in 1980/81. It remains to be seen whether tonight will also make history or whether the fans will be faced with a goalless draw.

The clash will be broadcast live on both television and stream by Sky and RTL, giving football fans the opportunity to be there - even if they are not in the stadium. With all the looming tensions and historic rivalry, this derby promises to be a matchday highlight in the 2nd Bundesliga.