Wolfsburg relegated after dramatic playoff loss to Paderborn

VfL Wolfsburg’s 29-year Bundesliga stay ends after playoff defeat to SC Paderborn

In a stunning playoff reversal, VfL Wolfsburg suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat to SC Paderborn on Monday night, sealing their relegation to the 2.Bundesliga for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The loss marks the end of a nearly three-decade run in Germany’s top flight for the northern club.

match summary

Wolfsburg, featuring stars like Christian Eriksen, started brightly with Dzenan Pejcinovic putting them ahead just three minutes in after a cross from Adam Daghim. However, Joakim Maehle’s double caution within 11 minutes saw Wolfsburg reduced to 10 men, shifting momentum.

The deficit lasted until the 38th minute, when Filip Bilbija equalized with a diving header from a corner, sending the game into a tense stalemate. Paderborn dominated the second half, recording 31 shots before the whistle.

With Lovro Majer sidelined, Wolfsburg struggled to contain Paderborn’s relentless pressure. The deadlock was broken in the 99th minute when Laurin Curda capitalized on an error in defense, slotting home past Kamil Grabara to complete the comeback.

Paderborn, playing in their first top-flight campaign since 2019-20, will replace Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga next season, while the Wolves face an unprecedented drop to tier two.

key moments

• 3rd minute: Pejcinovic opens the scoring for Wolfsburg
• 11th minute: Maehle receives first yellow card
• 14th minute: Maehle gets second booking, reducing Wolfsburg to 10 men
• 38th minute: Bilbija equalizes from a corner
• 99th minute: Curda scores the winner in extra time

The defeat leaves Wolfsburg’s future uncertain as they prepare for life in the 2.Bundesliga, while Paderborn celebrates promotion to the top tier for the first time in years.