Alidou scores against parent club as Braunschweig secure crucial win
Eintracht Braunschweig secured a vital 2-0 victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion this evening, recording their first away win of the calendar year. Goals in either half from Faride Alidou and substitute Erencan Yardımcı proved decisive for Lars Kornetka’s side, who capitalised on a flat Kaiserslautern performance that was met with boos from the Betzenberg crowd at full time.
Braunschweig made the most of their first meaningful opportunity after just 14 minutes. Enis Kamga could only parry Lino Tempelmann’s initial effort into a dangerous area, allowing Alidou - on loan from Kaiserslautern - to react quickest and fire home the rebound against his parent club. The goal marked a significant moment for the 23-year-old forward, who joined Braunschweig on a season-long loan deal last summer in search of more consistent playing time.
Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Kaiserslautern struggled to break down a disciplined and compact visiting defence. In fact, it was Braunschweig who came closest to doubling their lead midway through the first half. A mix-up at the back saw Kamga dispossessed by Alidou with an open goal beckoning, but Maxwell Gyamfi produced a crucial intervention to keep the deficit at one heading into the break.
The hosts emerged with greater attacking intent in the second half and fashioned their first real chance just before the hour mark. Substitute Norman Bassette delivered a teasing cross that was met by Naatan Skyttä at the near post, though the midfielder failed to make clean contact and sent his effort wide. As Kaiserslautern pushed forward in search of an equaliser, spaces began to open up for Braunschweig on the counter.
They exploited one such moment in the 72nd minute. After regaining possession deep in their own half, Robin Heußer released Florian Flick, who surged forward before threading a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Yardımcı. The forward kept his composure to finish clinically one-on-one and seal the result. Kaiserslautern continued to dominate the ball in the closing stages but looked devoid of ideas in the final third, as frustration from the home supporters grew louder.
For Braunschweig, this first away win of 2026 - and first victory in six matches - comes at a crucial moment, lifting them up to 13th in a tightly contested relegation battle. The performance of Alidou, who is prohibited from playing against Kaiserslautern in the return fixture due to loan rules, underscored the logic behind his temporary move. For Kaiserslautern, it was another disappointing outing; they have now suffered back-to-back defeats against relegation-threatened sides without scoring, remaining in 7th place but with their promotion ambitions taking a hit. The result increases the pressure on manager Dirk Schuster, while Kornetka's Braunschweig have gained valuable momentum in their fight for survival.
