Next weekend, the 1st FC Köln could be the first team from the 2nd league. It is not the only possible decision scenario of the 32nd game day.
Beyond all debates about the quality in the 2nd league, one thing has been determined: tension guarantees you, and not too scarce. The struggle for third place in particular is not outbid by drama that no early decision will be made here. Because behind the 1. FC Magdeburg (50 points) there are currently four pursuers with 49 points, three other teams still have arithmetic opportunities. But there are things that could be determined after the 32nd matchday.
Direct climb
The 1. FC Köln is not exactly in the best condition on four points from the past four games, but it is enough to be the leaders and not to have to worry about not leaving the league towards the upper house. However, the FC played out the opportunity to rise on Saturday (May 3rd, 2025, 8.30 p.m.) with a win against SSV Jahn Regensburg without the competition.
The probability that a decision will be made here is therefore there, but low. In the event of a Cologne success, Magdeburg should not score against Prussia Münster the day before and the four 49-point teams in the stands four to seven should not win.
Relegation place three
In all likelihood, it will only be clear after the 34th matchday who can go through the relegation in order to possibly still make it into the Bundesliga. However, some teams are at risk of having no chance of having no more chance from next week. The 1. FC Nürnberg (45 points) and Hannover 96 (46) are no longer allowed to afford slips and rely on shooting aid, every match day is the last chance.
Relegation battle
Schalke 04 (38 points) can finally save himself with a point win against SC Paderborn and no longer descend directly. Greuther Fürth (35/at Hertha BSC) and Eintracht Braunschweig (34/against Fortuna Düsseldorf) could not get rid of their last concerns, provided that the SSV Ulm (against Hanover) and Münster (both 29) – which in direct duel on the last day after relegation place 16 and the direct descent.
Regensburg can no longer save itself directly. If the Jahn on Münster and Ulm does not make grounds on the 32nd matchday, the descent would be sealed because the two opponents still play against each other. In general, the Jahn actually only has chances if the Ulm-Münster duel ends in the season finale-because Regensburg not only had to catch up six points, but also 36 goals on Münster and 40 hits on Ulm when tied.