Kaiserslautern welcomed Darmstadt to the Fritz-Walter Stadion for this Matchday 14 clash. Both sides have started the season well, especially the newly promoted Darmstadt, and find eachother in 3rd and 4th positions respectively. Going into the match, the home side are on a run of 4 draws and have amassed a total 7 points from the last 15 available; whilst Darmstadt have picked up eight from the same number of matches.
After last Matchday's 2-2 draw at home to Bochum; Kosta Runjaić made no changes to his side who conceded a late equalizer in the afore mentioned game. Darmstadt and Dirk Schuster fielded a relatively similar starting eleven to the side that defeated RB Leipzig in their last outing; the only change being Jérôme Gondorf replacing Milan Ivana.
As you'd expect between two promotion chasing sides, the first half hour was a tight affair with neither side creating any clear cut opportunities. Neither side kept the ball well enough, nor when they were in possession didn't do enough with it. However, after a lengthy spell of possession for the Rote Teufel, it would be Darmstadt who would have the first real chance of the game; a whipped in delivery from fullback, Fabian Holland the ball was met by Florian Jungwirth six yards out, who really should have done better with his effort. The summer signing from VfL Bochum has yet to score for his new club and whilst missing chances like that, it won't be arriving anytime soon.
It was a disjointed first 35 minutes for Kosta Runjaić's side, who was beginning to show his frustration; the Kaiserslautern boss will have no doubt wanted to win this one, being the former manager of the Lillies.
The second half would follow the same trend as the first, again with Darmstadt having the first meaningful chance in the 65th minute; Tobias Sippel forced into a great double save at the hands of Tobias Kempe and Marcel Heller.
here was very little to separate both sides throughout the majority of the second half; Kaiserslautern dominated possession but couldn't find any rhythm. Darmstadt defended well, but couldn't hurt Kaiserslautern on the counter. All in all neither side could claim that they deserved anything more than a point.
The result sees the Lillies remain in 3rd position whilst the Rote Teufel fall to 5th after Heidenheim's 3-0 victory over Sandhausen earlier this evening. That makes it five consecutive draws for Kaiserslautern which will be frustrating for all involved at the club; as with the right results they could have been sitting atop of the table. However, for Darmstadt it's been a brilliant start to the season and tonight see's another great result for Dirk Schuster.