Paderborn has secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the upcoming season after defeating Wolfsburg in a crucial play-off match that resulted in the latter's relegation to the second tier of German football.

Match Overview

The decisive encounter ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Paderborn, giving them an aggregate victory of 2-1 following a goalless first leg. Wolfsburg initially took the lead in the match with a goal from Dženan Pejčinović in the third minute, who finished a low cross from Adam Daghim by slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Turning Point: Mæhle's Red Card

However, the dynamics of the match shifted dramatically in the 14th minute when Joakim Mæhle received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mattes Hansen, leaving Wolfsburg with ten men for the remainder of the match. Mæhle's dismissal came shortly after he had been booked for an earlier incident involving Filip Bilbija and Wolfsburg goalkeeper Pavao Pervan.

Paderborn's Comeback

With the numerical advantage, Paderborn began to dominate the match. They equalized in the 39th minute when Filip Bilbija headed in from close range after a long throw from Laurin Curda was flicked on by Calvin Brackelmann. The hosts continued to press in the second half, creating numerous opportunities but failing to convert, hitting the post multiple times and forcing several saves from Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.

Despite their efforts and a total of 39 shots, Paderborn could not find a winner in regular time, leading to extra time. Ultimately, Paderborn's persistence paid off when Curda assisted a goal from Sven Michel in the 100th minute, sealing their promotion to the Bundesliga.