Darmstadt 98 and Eintracht Frankfurt also had to play a decisive game in 1989, in which Bundesliga side Frankfurt saved themselves. In 1991, FC St. Pauli was relegated from the Bundesliga in a decider against the Stuttgarter Kickers.
The arguments for and against the rule
proponents of the rule argued that in overtime they equalized the other team’s home field advantage. It also ensures that there are fewer extensions that are often unattractive in terms of sport. In addition, it tends to benefit smaller teams because they often have to play away in the second leg due to seeding lists.
opponent of the rule complained that they encourage the home team to play defensively rather than the away team to play offensively. It seems illogical if a team has won after an overall draw in two games. The rule is also outdated because the disadvantage of away games due to standardized balls, better trained referees or equally good pitch conditions is no longer as great as it used to be. In addition, the rule sometimes makes preliminary decisions in second legs and applies to a team 30 minutes longer in extra time.
UEFA President Ceferin: “rule defeats its original purpose”
“The rule’s effect is counter to its original purpose as it now discourages home teams – particularly in the first legs – from attacking play for fear of conceding a goal that would give their opponent a crucial advantage.”said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in the summer on the abolition of the rule.