In a heartbreaking conclusion to their Bundesliga campaigns, both VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel have been relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. The fate of these clubs was sealed on a dramatic Saturday, where Bochum suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat at home to FSV Mainz 05, while Kiel lost 1-2 against SC Freiburg.
The Bochum players faced a tough battle against Mainz, who took the lead just before halftime with a stunning free-kick from Nadiem Amiri in the 45+3 minute. The second half saw Mainz further dominate the game with goals from Phillipp Mwene (53'), Jonathan Burkardt (73'), and Paul Nebel (90+3'), leaving Bochum's solitary goal from Gerrit Holtmann (84') little more than a consolation.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Bochum's head coach Dieter Hecking had made a bold move the previous week by extending his contract until 2027, signaling his commitment to the club even in the face of relegation. "I wanted to mobilize the last forces in the relegation battle," he said, but his hopes were dashed against Mainz.
Meanwhile, Holstein Kiel's hopes of survival were dashed after they lost to SC Freiburg. Kiel initially took the lead through Lasse Rosenboom in the 24th minute, but Freiburg responded with two goals in quick succession. Johan Manzambi equalized in first-half stoppage time (45+2'), and Lucas Höler scored the winner in the 58th minute, ensuring that Kiel would finish the season in 17th place, four points adrift of safety.
Kiel's coach Marcel Rapp expressed mixed emotions after the match, stating, "I am sad - and proud. Sad because we have been relegated, proud of the way we played football today. The boys left everything on the pitch week after week, so they are naturally disappointed."
Freiburg's victory was crucial as they solidified their position in the Champions League qualification spots, now firmly in fourth place. Coach Julian Schuster remained cautious despite the win, stating, "It’s not over yet," as the team prepares for a decisive match against Eintracht Frankfurt on the final matchday.
In other matches, 1. FC Heidenheim secured their place in the relegation playoff with a convincing 3-0 victory over Union Berlin, with Adrian Beck scoring twice (12', 73') and Jan Schöppner adding another (56').
In a match that ended without goals, Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig played to a 0-0 draw, which meant Leipzig missed out on Champions League qualification. The title had already been claimed by FC Bayern Munich, marking their 34th championship triumph.
As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on the final matchday. Bayer Leverkusen will host Borussia Dortmund in a farewell match for their coach Xabi Alonso, while Eintracht Frankfurt will look to secure their Champions League spot against FC St. Pauli.
For Kiel, the journey in the Bundesliga has come to an end after just one season, while Bochum faces the challenge of rebuilding in the second division. The disappointment was palpable as Kiel's players sank to the ground in tears after the final whistle, while Freiburg celebrated their victory with their traveling fans.
In the upcoming matches, Kiel will travel to Borussia Dortmund, while Freiburg will host Frankfurt, with both teams having much to play for in their respective battles.
