Key Takeaways:
- SC Paderborn secured Bundesliga promotion with a 2-1 win after extra time in the play-off second leg
- VfL Wolfsburg suffered their first-ever relegation from the top flight after 29 consecutive seasons
- Laurin Curda delivered a decisive extra-time goal, sealing a historic victory at the Home Deluxe Arena
Match Overview
SC Paderborn produced a memorable performance to book their Bundesliga return for a third time, defeating VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 after extra time in the decisive relegation play-off second leg. The result signalled a new chapter for both sides: promotion for Paderborn and a first-ever demotion for Wolfsburg following an uninterrupted 29-year stay in the top flight.
Das tut weh. Wir steigen aus der Bundesliga ab.#SCPWOB pic.twitter.com/tD9zHFLNs5
— VfL Wolfsburg (@VfL_Wolfsburg) May 25, 2026
Early Drama and Turning Points
After a goalless first meeting, Wolfsburg sought to break through and found their breakthrough less than three minutes from kick-off. Joakim Maehle launched a long ball down the left, setting Adam Daghim free to cut back for Dzenan Pejcinovic, who calmly side-footed into the bottom corner.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Maehle received two yellow cards in quick succession – the first following a scuffle with Filip Bilbija and the second for a high challenge on Mattes Hansen – leaving Wolfsburg one man down earlier than any side in play-off history.
Paderborn’s Onslaught and the Equaliser
With the numerical advantage, Paderborn pressed relentlessly. Mika Baur and Santiago Castaneda both threatened, the latter denied by a sharp save from Kamil Grabara. The breakthrough arrived when Calvin Brackelmann delicately flicked Laurin Curda’s long throw into Bilbija’s path, and the forward buried a diving header from close range to pull Paderborn level.
Extra Time Decider
The hosts dominated the second half and regular time, registering 31 shots to Wolfsburg’s 2, but resolute defending and missed chances forced extra time. Felix Gotze continued to test Grabara at the start of the added period, but the decisive moment would arrive minutes later. Sven Michel’s pinpoint cross found an unmarked Laurin Curda at the far post, and he finished with composure to put Paderborn ahead just before the 100-minute mark.
Statistics and Key Performances
Despite nervy moments as full time approached, Ralf Kettemann’s team held on to claim a celebrated victory before their home supporters. Paderborn became only the second side from 2. Bundesliga to win the play-off in the past 15 years, securing promotion in dramatic fashion.
Legacy and Implications
With Dieter Hecking unable to reverse Wolfsburg’s fortunes following his March appointment, the club’s lengthy Bundesliga tenure came to an abrupt end. Meanwhile, Paderborn’s achievement under Ralf Kettemann – in his first season at the helm – marks a significant milestone, adding a third promotion to the club’s history books.
