It starts on May 22nd: The German Football League (DFL) has scheduled the relegation games of the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga.
The start is the encounter between the table-16. of the Bundesliga and the third of the 2nd league on May 22nd. As usual, the first division team first has a home game. The second leg will take place on May 26th.
Much suggests that the 1. FC Heidenheim (29 points) must – or may – or may. The team is three points behind 1899 Hoffenheim and FC St. Pauli. It has the worst goal difference compared to the two competitors. Heidenheim would have to catch up six goals opposite Hoffenheim, compared to St. Pauli even 13.
Five teams could stand in the 2nd Bundesliga after the 34th matchday the relegation place: 1. FC Köln (58 points), SV Elversberg (55), Paderborn (55), Fortuna Düsseldorf (53) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (53). The Cologne team have the best chances of second place and thus on the direct climb. Third before the 34th matchday is Elversberg.
Braunschweig, Münster, Fürth – the big tremor
A day later, the 16th of the 2nd league plays the games against the third division third, with the third division initially having home rights. In 16th place in the 2nd league is currently occupied Eintracht Braunschweig (35 points). Prussia Münster (35) and SpVgg Greuther Fürth (36) could still slip there. At least in theory, this also applies to Schalke 04 (38).
In the 3. League, Energie Cottbus (62 points), the 1. FC Saarbrücken (62) and Hansa Rostock (60) have the opportunity to qualify for the relegation on the last matchday.
Bielefeld’s success series in the cup ensured question marks
The arrival of third division team Arminia Bielefeld had taken care of the DFB Cup final. For a long time it was unclear whether Bielefeld had to play the relegation to the 2nd league. In this case, the responsible DFL had already found alternative dates. But that did not happen: Bielefeld rose directly.
The cup final against VfB Stuttgart will take place on May 24th in Berlin, a day after the relegation first leg.