SC Paderborn ends Wolfsburg's 29-year Bundesliga stay

A dramatic extra-time goal has ended VfL Wolfsburg's 29-year stay in Germany's top division, sending SC Paderborn to the Bundesliga following a tense promotion-relegation playoff. Paderborn secured a 2-1 victory at home on Monday, winning the two-legged tie by the same aggregate score after a goalless first leg.

The decisive moment came in the 100th minute of the match when Paderborn's Laurin Curda volleyed in a cross from substitute Sven Michel. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters at the Home Deluxe Arena, confirming the club's third promotion to the Bundesliga.

The match turned decisively early on. Wolfsburg had taken a dream lead in just the third minute through Dženan Pejčinović. However, their prospects dimmed considerably when defender Joakim Mæhle was sent off in the 14th minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. Playing with ten men for nearly the entire contest, Wolfsburg's task became a battle for survival.

Buoyed by the numerical advantage, Paderborn pressed for an equalizer, which arrived seven minutes before halftime. Filip Bilbija leveled the score with a diving header from a long throw-in. The home side continued to...