Paderborn Returns to Bundesliga After Thrilling Playoff Victory Over Wolfsburg

The match remained level at 1-1 through regulation time, and Paderborn's Laurin Curda became the hero with a goal in the 100th minute of extra time, sealing a famous 2-1 victory.

Reflecting on the team's journey, Paderborn coach Ralf Kettemann had stressed after the goalless first leg that the focus was to return home with a realistic chance. "Unser Ziel war, dass wir nach Paderborn fahren und da einfach eine realistische Chance haben, das Ding zu drehen oder zu Ende zu bringen", he said. That chance became reality.

First-Leg Lessons

The goalless draw in Wolfsburg three days earlier had been a cagey affair, but Paderborn earned respect from Wolfsburg's coach Dieter Hecking: "Paderborn hat es gut verteidigt." The defensive solidity, missing in some chaotic end-of-season games, laid the foundation.

Goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier, on loan from VfB Stuttgart, made crucial saves in the first leg, including a deflected shot from Christian Eriksen. "Das ist ja mein Job", the 20-year-old said modestly. His calm presence was key.

The return of creative midfielder Mika Baur, who missed the first leg, gave Paderborn an offensive boost. Kettemann had noted his importance: "Ich bin aber insgesamt zufrieden, vor allem weil wir mit Mika Bauer einen Spieler nicht zur Verfügung hatten, der schon wichtig für unser Spiel mit Ball ist." His vision created problems for Wolfsburg.

A Dream Fulfilled

The victory marks Paderborn's third promotion to the Bundesliga, following previous ascensions in 2014 and 2019. For a club of modest means, this triumph underscores the power of teamwork and tactical discipline.

Wolfsburg, meanwhile, saw their 29-year unbroken stay in the top division come to an abrupt end. Coach Dieter Hecking, the third manager of the season, could not reverse the slide after his appointment in May.

After the match, the Paderborn squad embodied the "Runterfahren" (wind down) motto Kettemann had preached after the first leg, as celebrations erupted on the pitch. "Und das ist jetzt so. Von daher sind wir happy", he had said. That happiness now includes top-flight football.

The local crowd played an immense role, with Kettemann acknowledging: "Ein, zwei mutigere Momente mit Ball, plus unser Publikum - dann ist alles möglich." That combination proved unstoppable.