Bundesliga playoff draw sets stage for intense return leg

Wolfsburg and Paderborn played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoff clash on Thursday. The stalemate sets up a tense return fixture on May 25 at 20:30 to determine who secures the final Bundesliga spot.

Relentless pressure fails to break deadlock

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Wolfsburg could not find a way past Paderborn’s resolute defense in front of their home crowd. The 16th-placed Wolves—with just 29 points from 34 league matches—will need to turn up the heat when they host the second leg.

For Paderborn, currently third in the 2. Bundesliga, the draw represents a golden opportunity to secure a historic return to Germany’s top flight—a feat they last achieved in 2020.

Wolfsburg’s rich footballing legacy on the line

Founded in 1997, Wolfsburg has firmly established itself as a Bundesliga mainstay. The club’s trophy cabinet includes a 2009 Bundesliga title and a Champions League quarterfinal appearance in 2016. The 2014-15 season also saw the club serve as the springboard for Kevin De Bruyne’s meteoric rise to stardom.

With relegation looming, Wolfsburg’s leadership and squad will need to deliver a commanding performance in the return leg to avoid dropping down a division. Paderborn, meanwhile, will arrive in Lower Saxony with confidence, knowing a single goal could secure their place among Germany’s elite.