Bundesliga: Paderborn Return to Top Flight After Extra-Time Win

Paderborn stun 10-man Wolfsburg in relegation play-off thriller

A late goal from Laurin Curda completed Paderborn’s comeback as Wolfsburg’s long Bundesliga stay ended in the relegation play-off.

Paderborn became only the second 2. Bundesliga team in 15 years to win the play-off, condemning Wolfsburg to relegation...

SC Paderborn pulled off a surprise to reach the Bundesliga for the third time in their history. A 2-1 win after extra time in the relegation play-off second leg sent 10-man VfL Wolfsburg down. It marks Wolfsburg’s first relegation from the top flight after 29 straight seasons.

Wolfsburg failed to break through in a goalless first leg and finally got their breakthrough less than three minutes into the return match. A long ball from Joakim Maehle down the left found Adam Daghim, who laid it back to the edge of the box. Dzenan Pejcinovic arrived to side-foot it calmly into the bottom corner.

The early lead did not last long. Maehle was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. The first came for a scuffle with Filip Bilbija, the second for a high challenge on Mattes Hansen. Wolfsburg were reduced to 10 men earlier than any side had been in a Bundesliga relegation play-off before.

With the man advantage, Paderborn immediately pushed forward and dominated for much of the period before finding a crucial equaliser.  

Mika Baur and Santiago Castaneda both came close, and Kamil Grabara made a strong save to deny the latter. The hosts did level the tie when Calvin Brackelmann flicked Laurin Curda’s long throw into the path of Filip Bilbija, who powered home a close-range diving header.  

The momentum stayed with Paderborn after half-time as Wolfsburg fought to preserve their Bundesliga place.  

Stefano Marino went close twice in the air but missed both chances. His first was a looping header at the near post that Jeanuel Belocian cleared off the line.  

Sebastian Klaas then struck the base of the post from the edge of the area, and club legend Sven Michel did the same with a header right at the end of normal time.

Paderborn recorded 31 shots to Wolfsburg’s two in normal time but still couldn’t avoid extra time. Felix Gotze kept up the pressure in the additional period, though Kamil Grabara made a save from his deflected strike.

The breakthrough finally arrived just before the 100th minute. Sven Michel delivered a cross to the far post where Laurin Curda was unmarked, and he kept his composure to volley past Grabara.

FINAL. We're getting relegated from the Bundesliga...

2-1 #SCPWOB#VfLWolfsburg 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/JukUQapmuq

— VfL Wolfsburg EN/US 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) May 25, 2026

Cheers erupted around the Home Deluxe Arena but quickly gave way to tense moments as the game went on. Paderborn held firm to secure a memorable victory.

Ralf Kettemann led Paderborn to promotion in his first season in charge. The club became only the second 2. Bundesliga side in the last 15 years to win this play-off.

The early red card left Wolfsburg with a huge disadvantage. After nearly 30 years in the Bundesliga, their stay in the top flight ends despite Dieter Hecking’s efforts since taking over in March.