Wolfsburg quickly established an early lead in the decisive second leg of the relegation playoff, needing just three minutes to find the net after a goalless first encounter. Dzenan Pejcinovic, assisted by Adam Daghim, put Christian Eriksen’s side ahead. However, their promising start quickly unravelled. In a dramatic three-minute span, Joakim Maehle received his first yellow card in the 11th minute, swiftly followed by a second in the 14th, drastically altering the course of the match.

Playing with ten men against eleven, Dieter Hecking’s squad managed to maintain their narrow advantage for approximately thirty minutes. But in the 38th minute, Paderborn capitalized on a corner kick, with Filip Bilbija executing a superb diving header after a long throw-in, bringing the scores level. For the remainder of regular time, Wolfsburg valiantly fended off relentless attacks from their determined opponents.

Lovro Majer, absent from the squad, witnessed Paderborn’s persistent efforts to secure a winning goal in regular time, a goal that would have sealed their Bundesliga return. Despite their numerous attempts, the teams remained deadlocked, forcing the match into extra time. Approximately ten minutes into the additional period, Wolfsburg’s resilient defense finally succumbed. Laurin Curda found himself unmarked in the penalty area following a cross from the left flank, calmly slotting the ball past the previously heroic Kamil Grabara in the 99th minute.