Overview
- Paderborn defeated Wolfsburg 2-1 after extra time to secure promotion to the 2026/27 Bundesliga and send Wolfsburg down to the second tier.
- The decisive match on Monday featured an early Wolfsburg goal, a red card to Joakim Mæhle that reduced Wolfsburg to 10 men, and Laurin Curda’s extra-time winner.
- Scoring sequence saw Dzenan Pejcinovic open in the third minute, Filip Bilbija equalise in the 39th, and Curda score in the 100th minute to decide the tie.
- Wolfsburg’s drop ends an uninterrupted top-flight run that began with their promotion for the 1997/98 season, marking the club’s first-ever relegation from the Bundesliga.
- Paderborn return to the Bundesliga for a third time while Wolfsburg face immediate sporting and financial challenges as they rebuild for the 2. Bundesliga next season.