Four teams are currently tied for places 15 to 18 in the Bundesliga with 19 points each – in extreme cases a decider may be necessary at the end of the season.
In the Bundesliga and also in the 2nd Bundesliga, the points decide first. How to proceed after that is in the rules of the game of the German Football League (DFL) fixed – a play-off between two teams may then be necessary. The following apply in this order:
- the better goal difference
- the higher number of goals scored
- the overall result from the first and second leg in a direct comparison
- the higher number of goals scored away from home in direct comparison
- the higher number of all goals scored away from home in the season
- a playoff on a neutral pitch
Away goals can still play a role here – even though UEFA abolished them in their competitions for the 2021/22 season.
Relegation without away goals rule
In the relegation games to the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, however, the away goals rule no longer applies since the 2021/22 season. The relegation games will “played in accordance with the regulations of the UEFA club competitions“It says in the rules of the game.