FCK Kaiserslautern 1. FC Kaiserslautern - ELV Elversberg SV Elversberg

Elversberg spoil Kaiserslautern's evening with a 1-1 draw, although the latter still move into top spot, at least overnight. An absolute stunner from Ache put Kaiserslautern in front, but Elversberg, who were strong in the second half, deservedly came back through Damar.

Sickinger replaces Şahin on one side, and Alidou takes the place of Ache, the goalscorer who was suffering from cramp.

The match remains balanced and intense, with Steffen's men now investing a bit more going forward. Kaiserslautern are defending well, though.

The match resumes – without any substitutions.

Kaiserslautern deservedly lead 1-0 against Elversberg in an exciting match between two promotion contenders thanks to an absolute wonder goal from Ache. Elversberg didn't sit back, but at times lost their grip against their strong opponents.

Two minutes of stoppage time in the first half.

It would be Kaiserslautern's fourth consecutive home match to go into half-time with a 0-0 scoreline.

The visitors, dressed all in black, kick off, while hosts Kaiserslautern traditionally are in all red.

Or will Elversberg overtake their opponents? Only three points separate the visitors in sixth from Kaiserslautern in second. A draw would certainly propel the hosts – currently level on points with leaders Hamburg – into first place overnight. It's tight at the top in the second tier!

Elversberg coach Steffen sees no reason for any changes either after last week's 4-0 victory against Hertha.

Home manager Anfang sticks with the same starting eleven from the 3-0 victory against Regensburg last time out.

Kristof - Baum, Pinckert, Le Joncour, Neubauer - Fellhauer, Şahin - Petkov, Damar, Zimmerschied - Asllani

Krahl - Elvedi, Sirch, Bauer - Zimmer, Breithaupt, Kleinhansl - Ritter, Kaloc - Ache, Hanslik

"Elversberg are characterised by great continuity, especially when it comes to the manager's position. The manager can always build the squad as he needs it. The calmness that Elversberg have in terms of their development stands out. They're a top-class team."

"Kaiserslautern are now tapping into the potential they have and always have had. In the first half of the season, FCK didn't always reach their full potential – but now they're there."

Carlo Sickinger played for the hosts for nine years, making his professional debut for them in the 3. Liga. His brother Luca Sickinger, meanwhile, is a scout for Kaiserslautern.

As a head coach, Markus Anfang has only collected one point in three matches against Elversberg.

Until a few years ago, Elversberg regularly faced Kaiserslautern's second outfit, but now they are meeting the Red Devils' first team for the fourth time.

In the previous three encounters between these two teams, the home team has prevailed. Elversberg won the last two matches (1-0 in the reverse fixture, 2-1 last season), while Kaiserslautern won at the Betzenberg last term, coming back from a 1-2 deficit to win 3-2.

Welcome along and thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of this Matchday 25 fixture between Kaiserslautern and Elversberg.