Paderborn strike late to relegate Wolfsburg from Bundesliga

Paderborn secured a dramatic return to the Bundesliga after a six-season absence, defeating 2009 champions Wolfsburg 2-1 in the second leg of their promotion-relegation playoff. The aggregate score finished 2-1 in favor of Paderborn, condemning Wolfsburg to relegation after an impressive 29-year run in Germany's top flight.

The crucial moment came in extra-time when Paderborn's Laurin Curda found the net in the 99th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy and sealing Wolfsburg's fate. This victory marks a significant achievement for Paderborn, while ending a long era for the Volkswagen-backed club in the Bundesliga.

Wolfsburg's task was made considerably harder early in the match when Joakim Maele received two yellow cards within three minutes, resulting in his dismissal in the 14th minute. Despite playing with a man down, Wolfsburg initially took the lead through Dzenan Pejcinovic. However, Paderborn, buoyed by the numerical advantage, equalized just before halftime with a header from Filip Bilbija.

The second half saw Paderborn lay siege to the Wolfsburg goal, but the visitors managed to hold on, forcing the game into extra-time. The late winner by Curda ultimately proved decisive, marking a historic promotion for Paderborn and a painful relegation for Wolfsburg, who had aspirations of challenging for European spots this season.