By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/@07_paderborn.
SC Paderborn 07 secured their place in Germany’s top flight next season after beating VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 on aggregate over two legs in the Promotion/Relegation play-off.
Following a goalless first leg last Thursday, Wolfsburg got off to a flying start in the return leg at Paderborn on Monday, taking the lead after only three minutes through Dženan Pejčinović.
However, Wolfsburg had Danish international Joakim Mæhle sent off on 14 minutes after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, before Filip Bilbija equalised for Paderborn just before half-time.
With the scores tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, Laurin Curda scored in extra time to fire Paderborn back into the Bundesliga for the first time since the 2019/20 season. They are promoted alongside Bundesliga 2 champions Schalke 04 and runners-up SC Elversberg.
Defeat saw Wolfsburg relegated after 29 years in Germany’s top flight.
Meanwhile FC Bayern München won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) final in Berlin as the men from Munich completed the league and cup double last Saturday, thanks to a Harry Kane hat-trick of goals in a 3-0 win over VfB Stuttgart.
His treble in Berlin marks a phenomenal season for England striker Kane, who will head off to the FIFA World Cup with the Three Lions having scored an incredible 61 goals in 51 games in all competitions for Bayern in 2025-26.
With the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign now in the books, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the off-season, including the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.