Paderborn's dramatic return to the Bundesliga
The second leg of the promotion playoff ended in a 2‑1 defeat for VfL Wolfsburg, sealing the club’s exit from the German top flight after a twelve‑year tenure.
Laurin Curda rose to the occasion, heading the decisive goal in the tenth minute of extra time to complete a 2‑1 aggregate victory for SC Paderborn.
The match also featured a red card for Joakim Mæhle, who collected a second yellow in the 14th minute, shifting momentum in Paderborn’s favour.
Christian Eriksen, the Danish star who had signed a two‑year deal with Wolfsburg in September and captained the side, saw his first Bundesliga season conclude with relegation.
Paderborn’s supporters celebrated the promotion by excavating clumps of grass from the pitch and dancing with beer‑soaked players, a scene that underscored the club’s historic return.
Coach Ralf Kettemann reflected on the need for prudent decisions to ensure the newly promoted squad can survive in the Bundesliga, highlighting the significance of the club’s third ascent.