The last week of Bundesliga action wrapped up with all nine matches kicking off at the same time on Saturday. There was plenty of excitement to be found in nearly every match, but in the end, nothing changed. The same teams remained in the same European positions…and the same teams found themselves in the relegation places.
TSV Eintracht Braunschweig
Braunschweig came up and are going right back down. The bottom Bundesliga side earned just 25 points from 34 games, putting in a measly 28 goals in the process. They hadn’t scored in their last four matches, all of which they lost. From the start, when they lost their first four in a row, it never looked as though Braunschweig would survive – and their performance on the final day, a 3-1 loss to Hoffenheim, was no exception.
Nurnberg
Nurnberg put up a fight at the death, when Josip Drmić scored in injury time. Too bad Schalke had already scored four goals and put Nurnberg’s future out of doubt. This side were incredibly good at collecting draws this season, winding up with eleven to their name, but with just five wins it didn’t help them much. Neither did their seven-game losing streak that finished off Nurnberg’s season.
Hamburger SV
HSV lucked out. Had either Braunschweig or Nurnberg put up a fight and secured a win on the final day, Hamburg would’ve been automatically relegated. Instead they’re headed to the German relegation playoff, where they’ll get a chance to save themselves. They won’t know their opponents for the two-legged playoff until tomorrow, when the final 2. Bundesliga matches are played out. It looks like it will be SpVgg Greuther Fürth, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, but if they beat Sandhausen and Paderborn lose to Aalen, HSV may face Paderborn instead.
Oh, and in case you’re curious, Cologne have already clinched automatic promotion and will play in the top division next season.
Check back in to Pro Soccer Talk later today for a more detailed Bundesliga report, outlining the final week’s games and showcasing the teams that will play in Europe next season.
