Ragnar Ache's impressive double was not enough to save Kaiserslautern from a 5-3 defeat to Paderborn in a thrilling Bundesliga 2 encounter at the Home Deluxe Arena.
The hosts made a lightning-fast start, racing into a three-goal lead within the first 15 minutes. Aaron Zehnter opened the scoring before Raphael Obermair and Filip Bilbija added to Kaiserslautern’s woes.
Despite the early setback, Kaiserslautern responded before halftime. Daniel Hanslik converted a penalty in the 45th minute, and Ache struck in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 3-2 going into the break.
Ache, who has been in fine scoring form, leveled the game in the 61st minute with a powerful header from a Luca Sirch corner. However, Kaiserslautern’s comeback hopes were short-lived as Adriano Grimaldi restored Paderborn’s lead in the 73rd minute. Zehnter then wrapped up the win with his second goal deep into stoppage time.
The German-Ghanaian striker now has 15 goals in 22 league appearances this season, further cementing his reputation as a key player for Kaiserslautern.
Kaiserslautern will aim to bounce back when they take on Fortuna Düsseldorf on March 29.
