Nurnberg

Europe: UEFA Cup (first round: opponent to be confirmed)

Nurnberg coach Hans Meyer had been attempting to keep his side's expectation levels low following their best season in decades, but he was unable to keep a lid on the euphoria and, in front of a packed Franken Stadium, saw his team fall flat on their face against Karlsruhe. While last season, the Bavarians went 10 games before losing, they tasted defeat on the opening day. Looking to rectify matters, Meyer leads his side north to Rostock on Saturday where the expectation levels will be a little lower. The main subject of contention is who should keep goal, but Meyer will stick with new signing Jaromir Blazek despite a few blunders on his debut.