Kwasniok seeks to aggravate KSC.
Headline: The Showdown Between Lukas Kwasniok and His Former Club: Paderborn Looks to Promote
Introduction: This Sunday, the Wildpark in Karlsruhe will be packed, not just with fans, but with the Kwasniok family - almost all of them rooting for the home team, the KSC. However, there's a twist. The man they used to rally around as a player, youth coach, and interim professional coach, Lukas Kwasniok, is now the coach of SC Paderborn, who could secure promotion to the 1st Bundesliga, if they win against the KSC.
Kwasniok's Emotional Return
Kwasniok, a Muggensturm native, acknowledges that the game in his old home is "something special." But he's focused on topping off the season with a win. "We wished for the final in Karlsruhe, and we got it," he says, determined to "do everything as usual and then see what comes of it." With many Baden locals supporting the former KSC youth and pro coach, Kwasniok, this game is bound to be intense.
Promotion Prospects
SC Paderborn is in 4th place, with 55 points, and within reach of a direct promotion spot. However, it's not in their control, as HSV has already been promoted. Cologne is in second place, SV Elversberg is tied with Paderborn on third, while Fortuna Düsseldorf (53 points) and Kaiserslautern (53 points) are locked in a battle with Paderborn for the remaining promotion spots.
History of Head-to-Head
The last home win for KSC against Paderborn was in 2020, with Daniel Gordon scoring the game-winner in a 1:0 victory. The last encounter in November 2023 ended in a 0:3 defeat for the Karlsruher. A 1:0 lead for the KSC in this season would have a 63% chance of resulting in a victory, but the KSC averages only 0.6 goals per game against Paderborn while the SCP scores an average of 2.2.
Late Goals Scoring Trend
The KSC must pay particular attention between the 76th and 90th minutes, as 35% of Paderborn's goals have been scored during this period. Paderborn is also very effective on the road, having failed to score in only two away games this season.
Insight: The 34th matchday is crucial for SC Paderborn, as they need a win against KSC to potentially secure promotion. If they finish in the top two positions, they will be directly promoted. If only in third, a playoff may be necessary. In recent years, the top two teams have been directly promoted without a playoff[1][2]. The KSC will need to be cautious, especially when defending against set-pieces, as Paderborn's Adriano Grimaldi has scored ten goals, some of them after standards[1].
[1] Bundesliga Promotion Rules and Regulations[2] Recent Promotion Battles in 2. Bundesliga History
Lukas Kwasniok, the former KSC youth and pro coach, is preparing for an intense game against his old home team, as SC Paderborn seeks promotion. With the European football scene in mind, a win for Paderborn on Sunday could be a significant step towards the 1st Bundesliga, as they compete against other teams in European leagues for the remaining promotion spots.
