Just three minutes into the crucial second leg of the relegation playoff, following a goalless first encounter, Wolfsburg’s ‘Wolves’ found their breakthrough. Dzenan Pejcinovic, assisted by Adam Daghim, put Christian Eriksen’s side in an early lead. Despite this strong start, Wolfsburg’s fortunes quickly turned. In a shocking three-minute span, Joakim Maehle received his first yellow card in the 11th minute, swiftly followed by a second in the 14th, dramatically altering the course of the match.

Playing with ten men, Dieter Hecking’s squad managed to hold onto their advantage for approximately thirty minutes. However, in the 38th minute, Paderborn capitalized on a corner kick as Filip Bilbija surged forward, delivering a diving header that leveled the score. For the remainder of regular time, Wolfsburg valiantly resisted the relentless waves of offensive pressure from their opponents.

From the sidelines, Lovro Majer, absent from the squad for the match, watched as Paderborn pressed hard for the winning goal that would secure their return to the Bundesliga, but without success in regular time. Unable to separate themselves, both teams headed into extra time. Roughly ten minutes into the additional period, Wolfsburg’s defense finally gave way. A cross from the left found Laurin Curda unmarked in the box, allowing him ample time to precisely strike past the previously heroic Kamil Grabara in the 99th minute.