Union Berlin survives relegation after missing two penalties while 1 FC Köln gets demoted

Union Berlin escapes relegation despite missing two penalties, while 1 FC Köln gets demoted.

Insanity at the Alte Försterei: Union Berlin is in 18th position in added time, then a second penalty is awarded against SC Freiburg. Even though it was missed, the rebound was saved. Berlin is rescued, as are Mainz 05. 1. FC Köln is directly relegated, while the incredibly weak Bochum team must face relegation.

Union Berlin - SC Freiburg 2:1 (0:0)

Initially shaky, then saved: Union Berlin escaped relegation from the Bundesliga during an extraordinary season. The team from Köpenick triumphed 2:1 (0:0) against SC Freiburg on the final matchday and evaded relegation, in part, because of a goalkeeper's support. Freiburg missed out on the desired qualification for the European Cup during the heartfelt farewell to one-time coach Christian Streich. The play-offs for the Conference League are no longer possible. Benedict Hollerbach (68') scored Union their first goal with a stunning effort, Freiburg's Ritsu Doan (85') equalized. However, Janik Haberer (90.+3) recovered the Berliners in stoppage time.

Streich stepped away from the Bundesliga stage on Saturday after twelve years. The 58-year-old, who commanded his team with extensive passion, was also greeted with applause and cheers of "Football God" from the Union fans in the sold-out An der Alten Försterei stadium. Streich was moved by the situation. He had been "surrounded for weeks by countless individuals who have shown me a great deal. It's very touching," Streich said on the Sky microphone before kick-off. Emotions welled up in his eyes.

Streich, who led with his typical passion, initially saw his team playing defense. The Berliners entered the game eagerly and scored their first goal early on through Yorbe Vertessen (4). After some initial problems, however, SC seized control of the game and had chances through Maximilian Eggestein (10) and Roland Sallai (18). Union was particularly active down the right wing with captain Christopher Trimmel, who had extended his contract during the week.

It appeared that Union was one step closer to relegation when referee Christian Dingert granted a penalty after video evidence. Freiburg's Jordy Makengo had touched the ball with his arm. However, Josip Juranovic was denied by the supreme SC goalkeeper Noah Atubolu (38'). The meeting remained doubtful and contested after the break. Nevertheless, neither team ventured into the final third that often. Then, substitute Hollerbach took a long-range effort - and Union erupted in celebratory mood. Yet, Doan's late equalizer momentarily deflated the atmosphere. However, Haberer brought the crowd back to their feet. He converted the rebound after Union had missed a penalty. Kevin Volland had hit the post.

Werder Bremen - VfL Bochum 4:1 (1:0)

Unsteady, not saved: VfL Bochum will enter the relegation. Head coach Heiko Butscher's team lost their last match of the season 4:1 (1:1) at Werder Bremen - and now likely face demotion against Fortuna Düsseldorf after three years in the first division.

Meanwhile, Bremen's minimal European Cup hopes were not fulfilled. Coach Ole Werner's team concluded the season with a satisfying result. However, securing eighth place, which may suffice for qualification for the Conference League play-offs, remained impossible due to the outcomes of the other fixtures. Werder scored their goals on Saturday afternoon through Marco Friedl (6th), Anthony Jung (78th), Jens Stage (80th), and Romano Schmid (88th). Bochum narrowed the gap through Christopher Antwi-Adjei (85th).

Bochum started the Bundesliga Final in a somewhat secure position. A draw, that much was clear before the game, would undoubtedly be sufficient to preserve them. "Of course" his team would "play to win," Butscher emphasized. There was little proof of this early on in front of 42,100 spectators at the Weser Stadium. For the first half-hour, only Bremen was intent on launching an attack. Even after taking a deserved lead, Friedl scoring from close range from a corner kick, Bremen set the pace and rhythm of the game - and should have taken a lead at half-time.

Due to the carelessness of the green and white team in finishing, the odds of a come-from-behind victory for Bochum remained high. Marvin Ducksch missed an opportunity of several to score against VfL's Manuel Riemann during a one-on-one situation (26'). Remarkably, Romano Schmid almost hit the crossbar with a powerful shot from 11 meters (34'). Despite the lack of scoring chances, Bochum almost made it even shortly before halftime when Kevin Stöger nearly curled a free-kick from the edge of the box just above the goal.

VfL Wolfsburg vs FSV Mainz - 1:3 (1:1)

A carnival-like feeling overpowered as FSV Mainz 05 secured their spot in the Bundesliga for another season. Under the coaching of Bo Henriksen, Mainz secured a 3:1 (1:1) victory against VfL Wolfsburg, with the fans cheering their commendable performance. Brajan Gruda (24'), Sepp van den Berg (72'), and Jonathan Burkhardt (85') were in the score sheet, while Kevin Paredes' goal (18') only served as a consolation for Wolfsburg.

The situation seemed dire for Mainz during the winter months, but Henriksen resuscitated their performance, guiding them to a streak of nine consecutive games without defeat. They joined the top three merely minutes before the final match. With a bold spirit, Henriksen made this claim before the game, and Mainz's fragile start only increased the anxiety. However, they regained control after conceding an early goal and started performing better. Gruda's equalizer unexpectedly turned the match around. The tension in Wolfsburg rose with every passing minute as Mainz strived to keep their lead. Although Wolves were dominant, Mainz remained stubbornly resolute and showed off their unexpected resurgence.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Mainz found themselves in a good situation. Van den Berg initially failed to score, but successfully converted the rebound. This sent the fans into a frenzy. The third goal from Burkhardt put an end to any remaining uncertainties.

1. Heidenheim vs 1. FC Köln - 4:1 (3:0)

In a bitter twist of fate, 1. FC Köln's dream of remaining in the Bundesliga fell through as the team was relegated for the seventh time. After the 1:4 defeat at newly-promoted 1. FC Heidenheim, Köln found themselves in 17th position, sending them down to the second division. The team, who won the Bundesliga when the league was inaugurated in 1963, had managed to stay in the top division the longest. However, starting from 1998, they found themselves relegated multiple times (2002, 2004, 2006, 2012, and 2018). In between, Köln had a taste of European glory in the 2017/18 and 2022/23 seasons.

The reasons for the current relegation include the abrupt departures of Jonas Hector and Ellyes Skhiri via free transfers, combined with an unfortunate transfer strategy that couldn't be salvaged due to the FIFA transfer ban. Of course, the insufficient offensive prowess, made worse by the large number of injured strikers, played a significant role. In the past, after each relegation, Köln returned to the top division, but not without facing challenges, with four comebacks in the first year and two in the second. After the latest relegation, Köln may face the toughest challenge in terms of rejoining the league since the transfer ban also extends into summer, limiting their ability to sign new players, leaving them with the option of loaning back their former players.