Energie Cottbus have completed their remarkable journey back to the 2. Bundesliga, clinching promotion on matchday 38 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory away at Jahn Regensburg. The Lausitz club's return to Germany's second tier marks the end of a twelve-year exile from the division, during which they endured significant competitive struggles across multiple leagues.
Manager Claus-Dieter Wollitz orchestrated the decisive moment when Jannis Boziaris struck spectacularly from distance in the 28th minute. The breakthrough proved decisive, but the visitors faced a nervous finale when goalkeeper Marius Funk produced an outstanding save to deny Florian Dietz from the penalty spot in stoppage time. This crucial intervention secured Cottbus's elevation alongside VfL Osnabrück, the runaway champions who completed their campaign with a 4–3 win over VfB Stuttgart II.
Historic Promotion Ends Years of Lower-League Football
Cottbus's descent from the 2. Bundesliga in 2014 triggered a prolonged spell in the regional divisions. Between 2016 and 2018, and again from 2019 until this season, the club competed in the Regionalliga, Germany's fourth tier. This promotion represents a significant turnaround for an organisation determined to restore its status within the professional pyramid.
Essen Secure Playoff Berth After Dramatic Finale
Rot-Weiss Essen have secured third place and the crucial relegation playoff berth after an intense 3–2 triumph over already-relegated SSV Ulm. Ben Hüning claimed the winner in stoppage time, allowing Essen to edge past MSV Duisburg on the final day. The two-legged playoff against the third-bottom 2. Bundesliga side will take place on 22 and 26 May, offering both clubs one final opportunity to determine their divisional status.
Duisburg's inability to capitalise, drawing 1–1 with Viktoria Köln, proved costly in their battle for the playoff position. The dramatic conclusion to the Regionalliga Nord season has set the stage for intense playoff encounters that will determine which clubs progress and which face potential relegation.
