The first leg of the Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoff ended goalless between Wolfsburg and Paderborn on Thursday, leaving the decisive second leg wide open. The return match is scheduled for May 25 at 8:30 PM.
The visiting Paderborn side held firm against the hosts, who dominated much of the game but failed to capitalize on their chances. Wolfsburg finished the regular season in 16th place with 29 points across 34 matches, while Paderborn, currently third in the second division, aim to secure promotion to Germany’s top flight for the first time since 2020.
The stakes for both sides
For Wolfsburg, the playoff presents a critical opportunity to secure their Bundesliga status after a challenging campaign. The club, which has competed in Germany’s top tier since 1997, boasts a rich history, including a Bundesliga title in 2009 and a Champions League quarterfinal run in 2016. The 2014-15 season also saw the emergence of Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, who went on to become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
Paderborn, on the other hand, carries the hopes of their fans to return to the Bundesliga after a four-year absence. The third-placed team in the 2. Bundesliga will be pushing hard to overturn Wolfsburg’s home advantage in the second leg.
The playoff format means Paderborn must win the return match outright or secure a draw by a sufficient margin to avoid relegation. Wolfsburg, meanwhile, need to protect their one-goal advantage or find a breakthrough in the second leg to secure their top-flight status for another season.
