The battle for promotion from Bundesliga 2 is as captivating as ever, with even teams in the bottom half of the table still in with a chance of finishing in the top three with four games to go in 2024/25. Find out who's making a late push for a place in the Bundesliga...
Cologne is in 1st position with 54 points from 30 games, boasting a goal difference of +11 (46-35). Their last five results include a 3-1 victory against Preußen Münster, a 1-1 draw against Greuther Fürth, a 1-0 loss to Hertha Berlin, and two consecutive wins against Paderborn and Darmstadt, both by 2-1. The remaining four matches for Cologne include an away game against Hannover, followed by home fixtures against Jahn Regensburg and Kaiserslautern, and an away match against Nuremberg.
Gerhard Struber, appointed as head coach in the summer, has been instrumental in guiding the team back to the top after a rocky start, where they only managed to secure 12 points from their opening 10 games. However, a recent resurgence has seen them regain their form, culminating in their current position at the top of the table. Key players like Damion Downs and Tim Lemperle have been pivotal in their attacking strategy, while the solid defense has been a cornerstone of their success. Yet, they must navigate a tricky final stretch with one relegation-struggling team and three promotion hopefuls among their opponents.
Hamburg currently sits in 2nd place with 53 points from 30 games and a goal difference of +27 (65-38). Their last five results include a 2-2 draw against Schalke, a disappointing 4-2 loss to Eintracht Braunschweig, followed by a 3-0 win over Nuremberg, a 0-0 draw against Elversberg, and another 3-0 victory against Magdeburg. The remaining matches for Hamburg are against Karlsruhe at home, Darmstadt away, Ulm at home, and Greuther Fürth away.
Since the appointment of Merlin Polzin, who replaced Steffen Baumgart in November, Hamburg has lost only twice, creating a four-point cushion over the playoff spot with four matches left to play. With all remaining opponents currently ranked ninth or below, Hamburg is in a strong position to secure promotion.
In 3rd place, Magdeburg has accumulated 50 points from 31 games, with a goal difference of +16 (59-43). Their last five results include a 1-1 draw against Hertha Berlin, a 3-0 win over Jahn Regensburg, a 1-0 loss to Ulm, a 2-0 win against Kaiserslautern, and a 0-0 draw against Hannover. Magdeburg's remaining matches are against Preußen Münster at home, Paderborn away, and Fortuna Düsseldorf at home.
Magdeburg's rise to the promotion hunt has been characterized by the best away form in the league, with nine wins from their first 11 away matches. This remarkable performance has been complemented by a home victory over league leaders Cologne, marking a statement win that has boosted their confidence. As they aim for a record-high finish and potentially promotion, the underdog status adds an exciting twist to their campaign.
Elversberg is currently in 4th place with 49 points from 31 games, enjoying a goal difference of +21 (56-35). Their last five results feature a 1-1 draw against Paderborn, another 1-1 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf, a convincing 3-1 win over Hannover, a stunning 6-0 victory against Jahn Regensburg, and a 1-1 draw against Hamburg. Elversberg has three matches left, against Nuremberg away, Eintracht Braunschweig at home, and Schalke away.
Despite being only in their second season at this level, Elversberg has shown resilience and adaptability. Their six-game unbeaten run earlier in the season has kept their promotion hopes alive, with Fisnik Asllani, who has scored 17 goals, being a standout performer for the team.
Paderborn sits in 5th place with 49 points from 31 games, holding a goal difference of +10 (52-42). Their last five results include a 1-1 draw against Elversberg, a thrilling 3-2 win over Nuremberg, a 2-1 loss to Fortuna Düsseldorf, a 3-2 defeat against Eintracht Braunschweig, and a 2-1 loss to Cologne. Paderborn's remaining matches are yet to be confirmed.
Following a strong start to the season, Paderborn's recent form has raised doubts about their promotion ambitions. However, a stunning 5-3 victory against Kaiserslautern on Matchday 26 showcased their attacking prowess, suggesting that they still have the potential to make a late push for the top spots.
Fortuna Düsseldorf finds itself in 6th place with 49 points from 31 games, with a goal difference of +5 (51-46). Their last five results include a 3-3 draw against Nuremberg, a 1-1 draw against Elversberg, a 2-1 win over Paderborn, a 1-0 win against Preußen Münster, and a 3-1 loss to Kaiserslautern. They have three matches remaining against Eintracht Braunschweig away, Schalke at home, and Magdeburg away.
Having narrowly missed promotion last season, Fortuna Düsseldorf has remained competitive throughout the current campaign. Their ability to secure crucial points, particularly in recent matches, has kept them firmly in contention for a playoff spot.
Kaiserslautern is in 7th position with 46 points from 30 games, with a goal difference of +3 (50-47). Their last five results include a 2-0 loss to Eintracht Braunschweig, a 2-1 loss to Nuremberg, a 2-0 loss to Magdeburg, a 3-1 win over Düsseldorf, and a 5-3 loss to Paderborn. Kaiserslautern's remaining matches are yet to be confirmed.
Once battling relegation, Kaiserslautern's resurgence has been notable, with Ragnar Ache's goals playing a pivotal role in their campaign as they aim to end a 14-year absence from the Bundesliga.
Nuremberg stands in 8th place with 45 points from 31 games, holding a goal difference of +3 (54-51). Their last five results include a 3-3 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf, a 3-2 loss to Paderborn, a 2-0 win against Kaiserslautern, a 3-0 loss to Hamburg, and a 2-1 loss to Jahn Regensburg. Nuremberg's remaining matches are against Elversberg at home, Cologne at home, and Braunschweig away.
Despite a rocky start to the season, Nuremberg has shown resilience, with a mid-season surge reigniting their promotion hopes. However, letting a three-goal lead slip against Fortuna Düsseldorf in their last match has raised concerns about their consistency.
Karlsruhe is in 9th position with 44 points from 30 games, with a goal difference of -2 (48-50). Their last five results include a 1-0 win against Greuther Fürth, a 1-1 draw against Preußen Münster, a 1-0 win against Hannover, a 3-1 loss to Hertha Berlin, and a 0-0 draw against Ulm. Their remaining matches include tough contests against Hamburg away, Kaiserslautern at home, Jahn Regensburg away, and Paderborn at home.
Karlsruhe's season has been tumultuous, especially after losing key player Budu Zivzivadze to Heidenheim in January. However, their early-season form gives them hope as they look to secure a strong finish.
Hannover finds itself in 10th position with 43 points from 30 games, boasting a goal difference of +3 (36-33). Their last five results include a 3-1 loss to Darmstadt, a 3-1 loss to Elversberg, a 1-0 loss to Karlsruhe, a 0-0 draw against Magdeburg, and a 2-1 win against Schalke. Their remaining matches are against Cologne at home, Ulm away, Greuther Fürth at home, and Hertha away.
Hannover's campaign has been marked by defensive strengths, with captain Ron-Robert Zieler leading the way. However, a series of draws and losses has dampened their promotion hopes, leaving them with a narrow path to the playoffs.
As the season approaches its climax, the race for promotion from Bundesliga 2 remains wide open, with several teams still in contention. Fans are eagerly anticipating the final matches, with every point crucial in determining who will secure a coveted spot in the Bundesliga.
