A Playoff Decider in Paderborn
The final match of the Bundesliga promotion playoff saw Paderborn host Wolfsburg in a tightly contested second leg that decided which club would claim the last spot in Germany's top division.
After a goalless first encounter, the visitors opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Filip Bilbija rose to meet a cross and equalised, only for Wolfsburg to miss a clear chance shortly thereafter when Sebastian Klaas struck the post.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 10th minute of extra time when Laurin Curda found the net, sending the home crowd into celebration and putting Paderborn ahead on aggregate.
Paderborn's coach Ralf Kettemann later stressed that the team's composure in those decisive moments had been the difference, while Wolfsburg's winger Patrick Wimmer defended teammate Joakim Mæhle, who was sent off after collecting a second yellow card in the 14th minute.
Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen made two late saves that preserved the lead, ensuring the visitors could not mount a comeback in the dying minutes.
The result marks a bitter end for Wolfsburg, who had not been relegated since 1997 and had survived playoff deciders against Eintracht Braunschweig in 2017 and Holstein Kiel the following year.
Christian Eriksen, who joined Wolfsburg in September, saw his first season with the club conclude without silverware, a fact that added to the disappointment of the squad's supporters.
For Paderborn, the victory represents more than just promotion; it is a chance to finally cement their place in the Bundesliga after previous returns in 2014 and 2019 that ended in immediate relegation.
Ruben Müller, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, expressed his emotions after the final whistle, highlighting the collective effort that led to the club's long‑awaited return to the top flight.