Staying in the league with an emotional farewell: Fortuna U23 celebrates Lars Bender!

Staying in the league with an emotional farewell: Fortuna U23 celebrates Lars Bender!

On Sunday there was a thrilling match in the Jean-Löring-Sportpark, which Fortuna Cologne's U23s ended with a goalless 0-0 draw against Teutonia Weiden. With this performance, the Cologne team were able to celebrate relegation in the Middle Rhine League, a success that they can now celebrate for the seventh time in a row. In wonderful weather, 275 spectators came to watch the game and loudly support the team.

Relegation means a positive turnaround for coach Timo Westendorf's team after they were able to get five points in the last four games after an ugly series of eight defeats in a row. After the game, Westendorf was pleased with his team's performance and the support of the loyal fans. “It was important that we got this point,” said the coach. Fortuna Cologne reports that In the first half, Daniel Sopo in particular had a great chance to take the lead in the second minute, but missed the goal.

Memorable farewell party for Lars Bender

Lars Bender, who is leaving the club's U23 team after an emotional time, was also duly celebrated on this occasion. After the game, fans and the team gathered in the clubhouse to say goodbye to Bender. President Hanns-Jörg Westendorf gave a moving speech in his honor, in which Bender's services to the club were recognized. The atmosphere was warm and many players present, as well as friends and supporters, were visibly moved. Lars Bender's statistics can be viewed on the Transfermarkt platform and provide evidence of his valuable time at the club.

During the course of the game, Teutonia Weiden showed some dangerous situations, especially with set pieces, but Fortuna keeper Lennart Stollenwerk kept his goal clean. In the 17th minute he saved a free kick from Meik Kühnel and in the 77th minute he also prevented a deficit with a strong reflex against Sulayman Dawodu. Cologne's defense finished the game well, so that neither team had any compelling chances in the last ten minutes.

Fortuna Cologne stays in the league

With the draw, Hürth, which played 3-3 against FC Hürth in Porz, was relegated to the state league. This club has been active in the highest amateur class for the last 16 years - with one exception. Fortuna's U23s, on the other hand, deservedly stayed in the Middle Rhine League this season and thanks to hard work throughout the year. More information about the competitions offer analyzes and statistics that accompany promotion and relegation issues.

The Fortuna U23 used the same line-up as in the previous game against FC Wegberg-Beeck, but a quick change was made due to an injury to Francesco Di Gregorio. The final squad for the game was: Stollenwerk, Di Gregorio (8th Aksoy), Sobiech, Weber, Orth (90th Bender), Antoski, Kafu, Berat Gediktas (81st Zielinski), Bekir Gediktas, Sopo and Westerhoff (81st von Aschwege).

Overall, the day was a double whammy of joy and nostalgia for Fortuna: relegation was secured, and the farewell of an important player was more emotional than ever before.