2. Bundesliga

Eintracht Braunschweig safe after play-off scare against Saarbrücken

27.05.2025

Eintracht Braunschweig came from behind to win their play-off with third-tier Saarbrücken on aggregate and preserve their place in Bundesliga 2.

Eintracht Braunschweig 2-2 Saarbrücken (Braunschweig win 4-2 on agg.)

The Eintracht-Stadion was the stage for a heart-stopping relegation playoff as Eintracht Braunschweig hosted Saarbrücken with their Bundesliga 2 status on the line. The hosts entered the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, but Saarbrücken, buoyed by their dramatic climb into the play-off spot on the final day of the 3. Liga season, were determined to overturn the deficit. Braunschweig's interim coach Marc Pfitzner emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, while Saarbrücken's Alois Schwartz called for courage from his side.

Interim coach Marc Pfitzner gestures from the sideline, guiding Braunschweig through a tense battle for survival. - IMAGO/Darius Simka

Tense first half

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams aware of the high stakes. Braunschweig's Christian Conteh posed a constant threat down the left flank, creating several chances for his teammates. The hosts' best opportunity fell to Sebastian Polter in the 10th minute, but he squandered a golden chance from close range. Saarbrücken, while enjoying more possession, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Braunschweig defense. Johan Gómez and Rayan Philippe also had chances for the home side, but Phillip Menzel in the Saarbrücken goal was equal to their efforts.

Florian Krüger of Saarbrücken battles for possession against Robin Krauße of Braunschweig in a fiercely contested midfield duel. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

Saarbrücken's comeback

The second half began with a brief delay due to smoke from the stands, but once play resumed, the match burst into life. Saarbrücken were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute after a handball by Paul Jaeckel. Florian Krüger stepped up and coolly converted, igniting hopes of a comeback. The visitors' persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Kai Brünker headed home to level the aggregate score, sending the away fans into a frenzy. However, Saarbrücken's momentum was halted when Calogero Rizzuto received a second yellow card in stoppage time, reducing them to ten men for extra time.

Krüger revived Sarrbrücken's hopes with a well-taken penalty in the second half. - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Braunschweig's extra-time heroics

With the numerical advantage, Braunschweig seized control in extra time. Their persistence was rewarded in the 105+2 minute when substitute Fabio Di Michele Sanchez found the net, swinging the tie back in Braunschweig's favor. Saarbrücken fought valiantly, creating several chances, but couldn't find an equaliser. The hosts finally sealed their Bundesliga 2 survival in the last minute of extra time when Rayan Philippe scored on the counter-attack, sparking wild celebrations in the Eintracht-Stadion.

Player of the Match: Ron-Thorben Hoffmann

While the scoreline might suggest a comfortable victory for Braunschweig, it was far from it. Goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann emerged as a key figure for the hosts, making important interventions throughout the match. His composure under pressure and ability to organize the defense proved crucial in Braunschweig's survival. Hoffmann's performance was a testament to his skill and mental fortitude, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Braunschweig 3.3 - Saarbrücken 1.72
Fastest player: Johan Gómez (EBS), 33.99 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Kai Brünker (FCS), 26.95 percent
Most pressed player: Lino Tempelmann (EBS), 24 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ron-Thorben Hoffmann (EBS), +2.47