Conference on Matchday 34: Pure excitement in the Second Division: Five teams can still be promoted

The 2. Bundesliga is looking for the second team directly promoted to the top flight. One week after their triumph at Hamburger SV , 1. FC Köln has the best chance of returning. A draw against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Sunday (3:30 p.m./Sky) is enough for veteran coach Friedhelm Funkel's team to secure second place.

Outsiders SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn need outside help to still be able to achieve direct promotion. Both are three points behind Cologne, but have the better goal difference. Elversberg plays at FC Schalke 04 and can at least consolidate third place in the relegation play-offs with a win. Paderborn, who are level on points, face Karlsruher SC and will have to hope for slip-ups from their opponents.

Fortuna Düsseldorf and 1. FC Kaiserslautern also have the chance to jump to third place in the relegation playoffs. SSV Ulm and Jahn Regensburg have already been relegated. Eintracht Braunschweig currently occupies 16th place in the relegation playoffs. Preußen Münster and Greuther Fürth are also still in danger.

Shortly before the promotion showdown, the party fuss surrounding striker Tim Lemperle has dampened Cologne's positive mood. The 23-year-old was heavily intoxicated and involved in a physical altercation on a party boat on the Rhine on Sunday evening, resulting in injuries. Regardless of the incident, Lemperle, who is expected to join TSG 1899 Hoffenheim next season, is struggling with knee problems.

"Tim trained a bit with the team today for the first time," said coach Friedhelm Funkel on Saturday. "He's still having some minor knee problems, so we'll wait and see how he reacts tomorrow and then decide whether or not he'll play. Morally, it's not a problem for me to give Tim playing time." Lemperle expressed "great remorse," so we have to draw a line under it.