Paderborn's return to Bundesliga sends Wolfsburg down

Paderborn secured promotion to the Bundesliga after six years away with a 2-1 extra-time win over Wolfsburg in the second leg of the relegation play-off on Monday, condemning the visitors to the second division for the first time.

Wolfsburg struck early, with Dzenan Pejcinovic putting the Bundesliga side ahead in the third minute to strengthen its hopes of staying up. The match turned, however, in the 14th minute when Joakim Maehle received two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving Wolfsburg with 10 men and Paderborn in control.

Alessandro Schopf (R) of Schalke 04 vies with Sebastian Vasiliadis of Paderborn during a German Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and SC Paderborn 07 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Feb. 8, 2020. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

The hosts pushed Wolfsburg back for much of the first half. Mika Baur, restored to the starting lineup, was active in support, while Laurin Curda repeatedly delivered from the right. Baur shot narrowly wide and goalkeeper Kamil Grabara saved from Santiago Castaneda before the pressure brought the equalizer.

Filip Bilbija headed in from close range in the 38th minute after Curda's long throw was flicked on by Calvin Brackelmann, pinning Wolfsburg back before the break.

Paderborn kept the momentum after the restart. Jeanuel Belocian cleared off the line in the 50th minute, Stefano Marino headed wide in the 56th minute and Sebastian Klaas hit the left post five minutes later as the home side continued to dominate possession and chances.

Wolfsburg survived and took the tie to extra time after Sven Michel struck the post in stoppage time of the second half.

Paderborn resumed its pressure in the additional period. Felix Gotze forced Grabara into a save before Curda decided the tie in the 100th minute, finishing low into the left corner after a cross from Michel.

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking sent on Mohammed Amoura and Kento Shiogai late, but Wolfsburg could not find an equalizer. Paderborn goalkeeper Dennis Seimen twice denied Shiogai in extra-time stoppage, sealing Paderborn's return to the Bundesliga and Wolfsburg's relegation.