2. Bundesliga 2022/23 MD34: Promotion/Relegation Battle

33 gruelling and intensive weekends in the 2. Bundesliga have led up to this moment. On Sunday at around 17:30 pm local time, we will know the fates of those going up to the Bundesliga, those heading to the 3. Liga and the two teams who will do battle in the relegation play-offs.

We know that Hertha BSC was relegated to the 2. Bundesliga, assuming they get a DFL license, thank to a cruel 94’ minute goal in their battle with VfL Bochum. And, SV Elversberg will be making their first appearances in Germany’s second tier after securing promotion on Matchday 37.

This is it, it’s now or never for the sides with it all to play for. Let’s check out who has something to prove on the final matchday of the season.

Aufstieg

SV Darmstadt 98

Darmstadt finally broke their duck with a 1:0 win over Magdeburg, thanks to their top scorer Philip Tietz scoring his 12th goal of the campaign. But, in spite of securing promotion for the first time in six seasons, Darmstadt do have something to play for on Matchday 34 and that’s the 2. Bundesliga title. A draw is enough for Darmstadt to win their first trophy since their Landespokal Hessen triumph in 2012.

Win: Champions.

Draw: Champions.

Loss: Champions, unless Heidenheim wins at Jahn Regensburg, then Darmstadt finishes 2nd

1.FC Heidenheim

Heidenheim helped their promotion cause in a tight battle with the now relegated Sandhausen. Frank Schmidt’s side had complete control of the match, but it took Heidenheim 68 minutes to break through when the league’s top scorer Tim Kleindienst found Jan-Niklas Beste for the game winning goal. The equation is simple for Heidenheim, equal or better Hamburg’s result and they are heading to the Bundesliga for the first time in club history

Win: Promoted.

Draw: Promoted, only if Hamburg fails to win. Should Hamburg win, Heidenheim will head to the relegation play-offs.

Loss: Remain 2nd, only if Hamburg doesn’t beat Sandhausen. Down to the relegation play-offs if Hamburg are victorious.

Hamburger SV

Hamburger SV have picked up the pace, but they will need some help if they are to avoid the relegation play-offs for a second straight season. Last time out, it was a much tougher affair with Greuther Fürth providing the challenge they didn’t face in Regensburg the week prior. Miro Muheim and a penalty converted by László Bénes proved to be enough to beat the Bavarian side. With a top three spot guaranteed, Hamburg aim to go one further, and become the first team since Augsburg to gain promotion after losing in the relegation play-offs the season before.

Win: Promoted, if Heidenheim fails to win against Jahn Regensburg.

Draw: Heading to the relegation play-offs.

Loss: Relegation play-offs birth confirmed.

Abstieg

Eintracht Braunschweig

Eintracht Braunschweig have had a habit in recent years of falling at the last hurdle, and many might remember the way the Hamburger Strauße fell apart in their last season in the 2. Bundesliga. Could history be repeating itself? The first fault came last weekend, after taking an early lead through Immanuel Pherai, Braunschweig fell into the comfort trap and their opponents pounced. Goals from Charalambos Makridis and Prince Osei Owusu gave Jahn hope and put Eintracht into potential danger once again.

Win: Victory against Hansa Rostock will guarantee Braunschweig a place in the 2. Bundesliga for next season.

Draw: Safety. Down to 15th if Nürnberg wins. The relegation play-offs only become a possibility if Nürnberg and Arminia Bielefeld both win.

Loss: If Nürnberg and Bielefeld loses, remain 14th and safe. A Nürnberg win drops Eintracht down to 15th. If Nürnberg and Bielefeld both win, Braunschweig will be heading to the relegation play-offs.

1.FC Nürnberg

Nürnberg missed their first chance of securing safety on Matchday 33 when they were held to a goalless draw against Hansa Rostock. A game in which Nürnberg had an abundance of chances, but as has been the case for the last few seasons, Der Club were woefully inefficient in making the most of their chances. Out of the teams trying to avoid the relegation play-offs. Nürnberg has recent history, with their last second victory over Ingolstadt in 2020.

Win: Survival, but a massive inquisition looms large.

Draw: Safety. Unless Arminia Bielefeld wins, then the relegation play-offs are in their future.

Loss: Safe. If, Arminia Bielefeld fails to win against Paderborn. However, victory for Arminia Bielefeld guarantees a return to the relegation play-offs.

Arminia Bielefeld

Arminia Bielefeld knows the threat of the relegation play-offs, it’s been nearly 10-years since the Ostwestfalen club participated in the two-leg dogfight. In that one, their opponents, Darmstadt overturned a two-goal first leg deficit to beat Bielefeld in their own stadium in extra-time. So, to avoid this fate once again they need to win and hope they get some help along the way.

Win: Up to 14th and safe, should Eintracht Braunschweig and Nürnberg both fail to win. 15th if one of Braunschweig or Nürnberg loses. If Eintracht Braunschweig and Nürnberg both happen to win, Bielefeld will be heading to the relegation play-offs.

Draw: Relegation play-offs.

Loss: Relegation play-offs.