In a separate interview for the Wednesday print edition of Sport Bild, VfB attacker Deniz Undav kept up his good-natured tradition of not taking himself too seriously. Nübel, Demirovic, and Köhler registered direct comments on the match itself. Nübel – completely unlike his female German international colleague Ann-Katrin Berger – proved the hero of the penalty shootout by sticking closely to his prepared “cheat sheet”.

Nübel found himself the unexpected winner of the “Man of the Match” award despite the fact that he conceded four goals and looked incredibly shaky on the first BTSV tally. The 28-year-old – who was stilled called by Julian Nagelsmann to the national team today – wasn’t in the mood to congratulate himself.

“I should have saved that,” Nübel said when referring to Köhler’s 1-0 in the 8th-minute. “100 percent. Period. I also conceded four goals again. That really annoys me. It was a crazy game. I’ll be thinking about this match for a long time.

“I don’t know who votes for this stuff,” Nübel said of his MOTM honor. “It’s crazy. Medo [Ermedin Demirovic] scored three goals. I would have probably given it to him instead. I stuck to the ‘cheat sheet’.”

Demirovic actually only scored two goals. Nübel can be easily forgiven for not knowing that Demirovic’s purported third tally (in the 92nd minute) was actually technically scored as an own-goal attributed to Braunschweig defender Sanoussy Ba. Demirovic himself did go the full 120 minutes and does deserve immense credit for converting his penalty in the sixth round of the shootout; the first of the “sudden death rounds”. 

Demirovic didn’t allow himself to be placed on the initial shootout roster for good reason. It may have been over three years (and two clubs) since the Bosnian international missed the crucial penalty for Freiburg in the PSO loss against RB Leipzig in the DFB Pokal Final, but such things never leave a player’s head. Many were surprised to see Demirovic step up for the first non-scheduled take. 

“Penalty shootouts are nasty and I don’t like them at all,” Demirovic said. “I’ve experienced them from all sides, missing or converting a decisive one. I’m glad the ball went in today. This was a big watch for neutral observers, but nerve-racking for us.”

Köhler could only reflect on how far his team had come. It wasn’t that long ago that Braunschweig were contesting the promotion-relegation playoffs against FC Saarbrücken. While the team that narrowly avoided the drop down to the 3. Liga arguably deserved a different outcome, Köhler wished to reinforce the work of his teammates. 

“When I think back, eight to ten weeks ago, we were on the verge of the third division,” Köhler noted, “I think today we showed a completely different face. I don’t want to see anyone go home sad today. Everyone who supports Eintracht Braunschweig should go home with a smile on their face today. I think Stuttgart owes thanks to a loving God.”

Undav – who certainly wasn’t one of the better Stuttgart actors on the pitch – kept his trademark sense of humor in the Sport Bild interview. Last season’s form dip saw his estimated market value fall from €28m to €20m. A player who has traversed so much adversity in his career (and even overcame it late last year) made clear that he knew how to be his own harshest critic. 

“Transfermarkt has me at €20m,” Undav said. “I’d put it more at €11m with plenty of room for improvement. Of course I dream of the 2026 World Cup, but the competition is fierce. If I score 17 goals and record ten assists again [like in the 2023/24 campaign], I can hopefully punch my ticket. I’m going to give it my all. I’ve set myself some big goals for this season!”

GGFN | Peter Weis

Underdog Braunschweig did just about all they could to force the upset. In conceding four goals, Stuttgart have now equalled the total number of goals conceded in their entire winning cup run last year. This match could have easily gone either way. Unfortunately for the BTSV, the PSO didn’t break their way when a cramped Louis Frenkert couldn’t convert in the 10th round after his teammates sunk six straight. 

Stuttgart’s narrow escape means that Werder Bremen remain the only Bundesliga side to lose their opening round Pokal fixture. Bayern kick off their cup campaign tomorrow against SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Are their lessons to be gleaned for Stuttgart? After telling the story of the match, we’ll supply player ratings and furnish a brief tactical review. 

Stuttgart’s shaky start

Spurned on by an absolutely fabulous choreo and pyro display from their ultra section, the Lower Saxon Lions got off to a fiery start. Knowing full well that injuries to Jeff Chabot and Luca Jaquez forced Hoeneß to throw two centre-backs into a “cold start”, Braunschweig threw everything they had at the VfB defense. Hoffenheim loanee Erencan Yardımcı pounced on an VfB keeper Alexander Nübel – who couldn’t figure how to pass the ball out – in the 6th-minute to earn an early corner.

Just two minutes later, the hosts took the lead. Braunschweig captain Sven Köhler – a central defender playing high up in midfield on this particular evening – had a go from 30 meters out in the 8th-minute. Nübel still might have done much better with a powerful shot that was nevertheless a little fluttery. A late reaction from the VfB keeper allowed the ball to float into the right corner. It appeared as if the defending DFB Pokal champions were very much back on their heels for a few more minutes.

An immediate response

The equalizer came in the 12th-minute courtesy of a Chris Führich cross and an Ermedin Demirovic finish. Führich’s run and delivery were sharp while the Bosnian striker was a little lucky to see the ball bounce in after taking a slight deflection off Braunschweig defender Louis Breunig. The underdog hosts still managed to push forward a bit after parity was restored, but Stuttgart were eventually able to settle matters down in midfield and begin to impose their game.  Braunschweig did remain committed on the press.

Most of the chances nevertheless belonged to the guests. Ramon Hendriks (20th), Deniz Undav (23rd, 30th), and Lorenz Assignon (36th) missed opportunities to give the Cannstatter the lead. Stuttgart generally coped with the Eintracht press well. On a few occasions, the Lions were able to break through on Assignon’s side. Poor quality crosses and shots still didn’t really manage to test Nübel. There would be a determined finish to the opening 45 from Heiner Backhaus’ men.

The hosts flatten out

Yardımcı (41st) and skipper Köhler (45+4) nearly helped their team head into the tunnel with a half-time lead. Yardımcı hit the side netting with his effort. Nübel did a much better job with Köhler’s distance effort (this time from about 18 meters out) seconds away from the half-time whistle. At the other end, returning Stuttgart hero Tiago Tomas saw a nice effort deflected over the bar in the 44th. Yardımcı had a couple of half-chances after the restart, ultimately being unable to strike the ball cleanly.

In general, Stuttgart looked the more organized and composed team after the break. A lead taken at the hour-mark felt fully deserved. Again it was Führich from the left, cutting into the penalty area to service Angelo Stiller. Something of a lucky touch from Stiller furthered the ball for Demirovic, who had an easy tap in from about five meters out. As the substitutes began to pour on, neither team could establish much of a flow after the 60th-minute 1-2. One sensed that the Bundesliga side might quietly close it out.

The unexpected late twists

A beautiful cross from BTSV skipper Köhler initiated the play that led to the equalizer. Braunschweig left wingback Fabio Di Michele Sanchez still deserves immense credit for smashing home the 2-2 from an extremely tight angle in the 77th-minute. Eight minutes later, it was Di Michele Sanchez again with another dream finish. The former Wolfsburg academy man – also the scorer of a crucial goal in Braunschweig’s relegation playoff round last spring – once again blasted the ball from a tight angle on the left on the 85th-minute 3-2.

Stuttgart equalized in the 89th-minute through substitutes Jamie Leweling and Nick Woltemade. Leweling bravely pushed past three Braunschweig markers on the left near the touchline. This piece of sublime skill was followed up by some random ping-ponging of the ball in the box. The ball very fortuitously landed at Woltemade’s feet. Initially, Woltemade wasn’t in any condition to shoot as he was flat on his back. Thanks to some loose marking, however, the rising German superstar was able to pick himself up and fire home the 3-3. 

Tomas takes control

Braunschweig has their work cut out for them in the added periods when it became apparent that their talismanic captain Köhler could not continue shortly before the end of normal time. It took just two into added time for Stuttgart to restore the advantage. A gorgeous touch from Tomas on the right enabled the new VfB acquisition to elegant dust off his marker and square for Demirovic. It would not prove a hat trick for VfB striker, however, as replays confirmed that BTSV defender Sanoussy Ba got the last touch on the 3-4. 

The hosts punch back

To their immense credit, the hosts obstinately refused to give up. A ridiculously unlucky strike off the crossbar in the 99th from defender Lukas Frenkert prevented the hosts from equalizing. The hosts did net the 4-4 in the 105th by bum-rushing the box with bodies. Amid all the chaos, Christian Joe Conteh finished off the turn following some nice set-up-work from Max Marie and Leon Bell Bell. 

The road to penalties 

Braunschweig absolutely weren’t finished. Just before the first half of extra time, Bell Bell and BTSV midfielder Johan Gomez supplied a vicious double chance at 105+2. The second half of extra time ended up being not much to write home about. Fouls. Bookings. Cramps. A typical 15-minute-period put in by two gassed teams ready for the shootout. Leweling earned a deserved yellow card for diving in the box at 120+2.

Will we be here all night?

Early misses from Gomes and Marie appeared to put Stuttgart in a position to wrap matters up quickly. Returning defender Dan-Axel Zagadou and new signing Chema Andres nevertheless missed their own takes in the opening five rounds. To sudden death we went. All players on both sides converted until Frenkert’s miss in round ten. Assignon got a chance to be the hero by sinking from the spot. 

VfB Stuttgart Player Ratings

Alexander Nübel (7) – Maximilian Mittelstädt (5), Ramon Hendriks (4), Finn Jeltz (4), Lorenz Assignon (7) – Angelo Stiller (8), Atakan Karazor (6) – Chris Führich (7), Deniz Undav (6), Tiago Tomas (8) – Ermedin Demirovic (7)

Substitutes: Nick Woltemade (6), Jamie Leweling (7), Josha Vagnoman, (5) ,Chema Andres (4), Dan-Axel Zagadou (3)

GGFN Player of the Match: Johan Gomez (8)

So many Braunschweig players deserve an honorable mention. Beyond those who got themselves on the scoresheet (Köhler, Di Michele Sanchez, Conteh, and Max Marie), young Mexican-American midfielder Johan Gomez really caught the eye with his persistent hustle over the course of the full 120 minutes. The Arlington Texas has been scraping about with the Lions at the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga for the last two seasons after spending a couple of years with FSV Zwickau in the 3. Liga.

He didn’t score for the Löwen last year and hasn’t even earned a start through three second division matchdays this year. That may be set to change after this game. The youngster recored five shots and assisted on three more. Without access to either his heat map or total kilometer count, the author conjectures that both are off the charts based on what he witnessed with the naked eye. Unbelievable how many times the 24-year-old embarked on long dribbles. Sadly, that penalty miss will haunt him. 

Some Braunschweig players it proved a pleasure to see again included former Schalke man Mehmet Aydin and quintessential German journeyman striker Sebastian Polter. Aydin actually fulfilled a lot of different roles tactically and Polter did well off the bench. A lower-league journeyman Germans are familiar with, Robin Heußler, did very well playing in a much more forward position, just like BTSV skipper Köhler. Interesting to discover that Heidenhiem striker Maximilian Breunig has a younger brother Louis who features for Braunschweig.

With respect to Stuttgart, one can easily label Nübel the hero of the match. Stiller is probably the better pick as he was the most consistent VfB outfielder. Tomas’ excellent performance should hopefully prove indicative of the season to come. Leweling and Führich were solid. Demirovic, Woltemade, Undav, and Vagnoman have had and will have much better games. Chabot and Jaquez can’t get back to the defensive ranks soon enough. Chabot has been playing well enough to earn a German national team call-up.

VfB Stuttgart Tactical Review

We last checked in with Stuttgart right after the DFL Supercup. Since then, Sebastian Hoeneß’ Württembergers found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-1 encounter with 1. FC Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The visiting BaWü side dominated their hosts in every last statistical category, yet found themselves undone by a brace from impressive Union debutant Ilyas Ansah. Hoeneß caught some flak in the German press for going with a highly unconventional tactical arrangement.

Few watching the match could make heads or tails of this:

Lineup—VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga)

When in possession, there absolutely wasn’t anyone covering the right. The flat nature of the back-three meant that Josha Vagnoman had to constantly track back in order to assist on the bow arcs. The axes of Atakan Karazor-Angelo Stiller and Jamie-Leweling-Deniz Undav mostly remained tightly chained and slanted left. Coverage in most cases was nominal. Approach play remained choppy, cautious, and downright squiggly at times.

Needless to say, not a lot of scoring chances were fashioned out of VfB’s dominant possession. Hoeneß likely threw something like this together based on the fact that Union rarely want the ball anyway. One can generally spam any sort of high press against die Eisernen and generally produce something. Were it not for some bad misses from players like Vagnoman and Karazor. FCU keeper Frederik Rønnow made some nice stops and Deniz Undav hit the crossbar.

Lineup—VfB Stuttgart (71st minute)

The more sensible – though still unconventional – late 4-4-2 produced a pullback goal and might have produced more had Luca Jaquez not had to exit proceedings injured at the beginning of injury time and Nick Woltemade not been well offside on the supposed 2-2 at 90+6. In any event, it came as little surprise to see Hoeneß return to something infinitely simpler in the Pokal. The defending champs – with five changes to the previous XI – lined up in a 4-2-3-1.

Lineup—VfB Stuttgart (DFB Pokal)

If there was a bit of nuance here, Stiller appeared to work a little deeper on a split stagger. The German international actually did well as both a stabilizing midfield flight director and a good offensive actor on the charge. Stiller broke into the box when he sensed he could make an impact and actively attempted to hit his colleagues with long balls from the deep. 

Few positives to report about the Stuttgart back-line, apart from the fact that mega-signing Assignon recovered very well after a noticeably poor first half. Führich turned in an excellent shift before being subbed off. Tomas’ performance speaks for itself. Hoeneß appeared to stick with like-for-like substitutions throughout.

Woltemade relieved Undav in the ten slot, as he can do. Vagnoman also plugged in for Tomas on a straight arrow swap on the right wing, as he can do as well. Ideally, this is what we should be seeing moving forward. Hoeneß mostly stuck to a 4-2-3-1 last season and doesn’t need to employ any more tricks to get this side clicking. 

GGFN | Peter Weis

Incredible atmospheres and fan culture

Until 1. FC Köln and Hamburg were promoted at the end of last season, the 2. Bundesliga for several years boasted more former German champions than the top flight. Storied clubs steeped in tradition and backed by huge followings – not just across Germany but around the world – find themselves languishing below their standards of decades gone by. All this makes for some incredible atmospheres that must be seen to be believed. And when you factor in the cost of a matchday ticket and beer, not to mention the free transport to the game, then no country rivals Germany.

It’s impossible to predict

For much of last season, 10 clubs were firmly in the promotion race until the final weeks, with the eventual top nine clubs separated by just 10 points. Elversberg upset the apple cart by finishing third and making it to the relegation playoff, just one point behind HSV. The league is simply impossible to predict, anyone can beat anyone and remains fiercely tight throughout. With a host of sides missing out on Bundesliga promotion last season, and the additions of relegated VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel, along with 3. Liga newcomers Dynamo Dresden and none other than DFB Pokal finalists Arminia Bielefeld, the upcoming campaign promises to be even more unpredictable than the last.

A league of sleeping giants and big names

FC Köln and HSV may have earned promotion back into the top flight – the latter after a seven-year absence – but there are still a number of sleeping giants in the 2. Bundesliga. 1. FC Nürnberg, a nine-time German champion, have found themselves languishing in the second division since 2019. 1. FC Kaiserslautern – who won the Bundesliga in 1998 – found themselves in the 3. Liga in 2022 but since returned and narrowly missed out on the promotion playoff. Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin are two clubs steeped in history with exceptional fanbases, but find themselves stuck in the second division while Hannover will also be eager to return to the Bundesliga under Christian Titz. And when it comes to big names, there are few bigger than Miroslav Klose in German football, who coaches FC Nürnberg in what is his first professional coaching job.

GGFN | Harry Good 

Leipzig have done their level best to help Jäkel regain his footing after several injury set backs. Loan outs to K.V. Oostende, DSC Arminia Bielefeld, and German football’s developmental mecca Elversberg have nevertheless seen Jäkel only continue to struggle with injury and form issues. Jäkel’s Bielefeld loan ended up getting cut prematurely short following the club’s relegation to the 3. Liga at the end of the 2022/23 season.

An extension of the Elversberg loan last summer meant little thanks to the fact that a bad ACL tear in February 2024 limited him to just one appearances in the entirety of the 2024/25 2. Bundesliga campaign. Jäkel made a total of 44 2. Bundesliga appearances for Bielefeld and Elversberg. 

Details of Jäkel’s move to the Lower Saxon Lions are not yet known. The now 24-year-old maintains a €600,000 estimated market value. This is down from a peak of €1.5m, during his more successful days on loan with Oostende in Belgium. 

GGFN | Peter Weis

“Rayan was a key performer for Braunschweig and played a big role in them staying up last season in particular,” said Stefan Kuntz, HSV’s board member for sport. “He’s an extremely interesting player and we’ve closely followed his positive development. He’s shown his strengths in the second division and we’re now pleased that Rayan will take the next step in his career together with HSV as we both move into the Bundesliga and try to establish ourselves there.”

Philippe scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 34 league games for Eintracht Braunschweig last season as they finished in the relegation playoff. He then scored against Saarbrucken in the playoff to secure EBS’s place in the 2. Bundesliga season for the 2025/26 campaign.

“I’m really happy about joining HSV and I look forward to getting to know my teammates and the staff,” added Philippe. “I’m already excited about my first home game here after already experiencing the atmosphere at the Volksparkstadion. I want to get to work straight away to help the club achieve their goals. HSV have a rich history and are now back in the Bundesliga, which I’m really looking forward to experiencing. I want to show that this team and myself have the quality to survive and do well in this league.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Although the Dutch midfielder will leave the Volksparkstadion for €7m, Hamburg will not receive the full amount due to an agreement with Reis’ former club, Barcelona, who will receive a 30% fee (€2.1m). This means Hamburg will be left with €4.9m to spend. 

That money will then be used to bring striker Philippe to the club from Eintracht Braunschweig. Sky Germany reports that the fee will be between €2.5-3.5m, meaning Hamburg will have some extra money to invest. 

Philippe’s arrival will be Hamburg’s third move of the summer after bringing in Nicolai Remberg from Holstein Kiel and Jordan Torunarigha from KAA Gent on a free transfer.

The French striker ended the year with 13 goals and six assists in the 2.Bundesliga and most importantly scored in extra-time of the relegation playoff against Saarbrücken, which secured Braunschweig’s second division status. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan

Hamburg have already been busy in the summer window, signing Nicolai Remberg from Holstein Kiel to boost their midfield options, while they also signed Jordan Torunarigha from KAA Gent on a free transfer for their defence. 

Now they will turn their attention to the striker position.

HSV are interested in Braunschweig’s Philippe, but the price is a problem. Despite nearly getting relegated die Löwen are demanding around €2.5m for the French striker. Mainz did try to sign Philippe earlier in the window but ended up pulling out of the deal, which upset the 24-year-old. 

Despite Braunschweig battling relegation for much of the season, Philippe ended the year with 13 goals and six assists in the 2.Bundesliga and most importantly scored in extra-time of the relegation playoff against Saarbrücken, which secured Braunschweig’s second division status. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan 

However, Mainz’ withdrawal in their pursuit of Philippe could open the door for fellow Bundesliga sides. Per Sky, Werder Bremen and Bundesliga returnees Hamburg have shown an interest in signing the 24-year-old Frenchman, who scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 34 second division games.

There’s no further reasoning as to why Mainz pulled out of a deal to sign Philippe, but they announced the signing of Benedict Hollerbach from fellow Bundesliga side Union Berlin for a reported €7.5m on Sunday.

Mainz are preparing for a European campaign after finishing the 2024/25 season in sixth.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

The 24-year-old is keen on leaving Braunschweig, who are fighting to avoid dropping into the relegation playoff spot in the 2.Bundesliga.

His contract is valid until 2025, but Braunschweig has an option to extend the deal by another year, however, it is unknown if the contract would be valid in the 3.Liga in the event that Braunschweig is relegated. This is usually the case with contracts in the 2.Bundesliga, and then Philippe could leave on a free transfer. 

This season, Philippe has 13 goals and six assists in the 2.Bundesliga. The 24-year-old joined Braunschweig in 2023 on a free transfer from Luxembourg side Hesperange.

A move for Philippe could be Mainz preparing for a potential departure of Jonathan Burkardt in the summer. However, a look at their depth in attack suggests that this may not be the case. Mainz only has Burkardt, Nelson Werper and Arnaud Nordin at the club, while Armindo Sieb is on loan from Bayern Munich. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan 

Here is the GGFN’s mid-season 2. Bundesliga review and grades. 

1.FC Köln

Current position: 1st 

Current top goalscorer: Tim Lemperle (8)

Grade: B

Even a few weeks ago, it wasn’t clear who would be sitting top at Christmas but after four consecutive wins, Köln lead what is already an incredibly contested 2. Bundesliga. It’s a fantastic achievement for the club considering they have been under a transfer ban and under new leadership this season in Gerhard Struber. Köln had a rough start to life in the second tier and didn’t really find any momentum until late October. Since then, they’re unbeaten in nine and also find themselves in the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal. Expect Köln to be active in the January transfer window (finally) and add to their already solid squad. There have been rumours surrounding the future of top goalscorer Tim Lemperle, but if they can keep him until at least the summer, Köln may just find themselves back in the Bundesliga. Overall, reasons to be cheerful for Köln! 

Karlsruher SC

Current position: 2nd

Current top goalscorer: Budu Zivzivadze (12)

Grade: B+

Consistency has always been an issue for KSC, a poor Hinrunde would be rescued by a great Rückrunde but it would always leave them mid-table. This season is different, Karlsruhe were unbeaten until late October and despite a one win in six-game run, the nature of the 2.Bundesliga this season meant they lose touch with the top three. Two wins to end the year meant KSC find themselves in the promotion places heading into the Ruckrunde. The pressure surrounding the bigger clubs around them in the table may play into their favour when it comes to the later stages of the season. It also helps that Karslruhe’’s captain Marvin Wanitzek is one of the best players in the league so far with eight assists and six goals, while Georgia striker Budu Zivzivadze is the league’s top goalscorer. Unlikes other teams (see below), Karlsruhe have stuck by head coach Christian Eichner, while he has stuck by the club, despite his rising stock and the pair are now reaping the rewards. KSC’s main issue heading into the second half of the season will be sureing up their defence as they have the joint worst goal difference in the top 10. 

Hamburger SV

Current position: 3rd

Current top goalscorer: Davie Selke (10)

Grade: C+ 

Again for HSV, it’s been about the lack of consistency. It’s been their history for the past seven years and whether history will repeat itself, we will most likely be left waiting until the final day of the campaign. HSV have only lost three times this season but it’s the 7 draws that has been their downfall so far. HSV went four games without a win during late October and early November which led to Steffen Baumgart getting the sack. Merlin Polzin now leads the side on an interim basis and it’s been a mixed bag with draws against Ulm and Darmstadt and wins against Fürth and Karlsruher. HSV’s first game back in the new year is against league-leaders Köln. You feel the outcome of this game will really determine whether HSV are looking for the trophy or just any form of promotion. Of course there’ll be many twists and turns to come but it’s a massive opportunity they can’t afford to miss. In a league where consistency is half the battle, HSV have some work to do. They’re in striking distance but will they make the final hurdle in a few months time? 

Elversberg 

Current position: 4th

Current top goalscorer: Fisnik Asllani (10)

Grade: A

Elversberg are in their second season in the 2.Bundesliga and are within touching distance of the promotion places. A win on their final matchday of the year would have meant they ended the Hinrunde top of the table. The secret to Elversberg’s rise is their defence, they have the third least amount of goals conceded in the league and have also kept six clean sheets. They have built this side with consistency in the dugout with Horst Steffen in his seventh year in charge, leading the club from the Regionalliga to their current positioning, as well as smart recruiting with Fisnik Asllani, Muhmammed Damar (both Hoffenheim) and Elias Baum (Eintracht Frankfurt) all joining on loan and playing important roles. Elversberg have experience in winning league titles as they won the 3.Liga in 2022/23 so they know how to keep their cool, but the question is, in the chaos of the 2.Bundesliga, can they keep their cool and do the unthinkable and get promoted to the Bundesliga? The dream of Regionalliga to Bundesliga in four seasons is definitely on. 

Magdeburg

Current position: 5th 

Current top goalscorer: Martijn Kaars (7)

Grade: C+ 

A point within second place, it’s been a fantastic hinrunde for Magdeburg. Similar to others around them, FCM have struggled for consistency and dropped points against clubs at the other end of the table. Having said that, they’ve only lost three times this season and finished 2024 with a fabulous 5-2 win against table-rivals Fortuna Düsseldorf. The big alarm for Magdeburg is they have the worst home record in the league. From 8 home matches, they won none, drew six, and lost two. In contrast, they have the best away record winning seven, drew one, and lost one. It’s a statistic which is almost hard to get your head around. If just a couple of those home draws were converted into wins, Magdeburg would be flying high in first. Overall, Magdeburg have put themselves in a brilliant position for promotion; they just need to drastically improve their hom form. 

SC Paderborn

Current position: 6th

Current top goalscorer: Filip Bilbja (5)

Grade: B

Paderborn finished last season in 7th and have quite clearly kicked on from then. 6th place and  one of four teams just a point from 2nd, Paderborn are well in the mix for automatic promotion this season. The squad may not have many recognisable names when looking at other 2. Bundesliga clubs, however, they’ve recruited well and are playing good football. Paderborn have been solid at home and even more impressive away from home having only lost once on their travels. They haven’t had the best of records against those around them and that’ll be key as the season comes to a close. So far, an impressive campaign for Paderborn who are mixing it with the so-called big boys of the 2. Bundesliga. 

Hannover 96

Current position: 7th

Current top goalscorer: Nicolo Tresoldi (4)

Grade: C

Hannover are within two points of the promotion places, so all they would need is a good start to the year and they would be in the top three. Despite this, this was not good enough for Die Roten and they sacked Stefan Leitl replacing him with former head coach and player Andre Bretenreiter. Breitenreiter has experience winning promotion as he led Paderborn to their first-ever season in the Bundesliga as well as helping Hannover back into the Bundesliga in 2017. Hannover will have to hope this gamble pays off, as if it doesn’t it will be another long summer with star striker Nicolo Tresolid likely to depart.

Fortuna Düsseldorf

Current position: 8th 

Current top goalscorer: Isak Bergmann Johannesson (6)

Grade: C

Fortuna Düsseldorf are capable of sneaking into third position at the end of the season but like many around them it’s consistency that is harming their chances. Düsseldorf are a team that are capable of winning 5-0 and two weeks later losing 5-2, just as they did before the end of 2024. Düsseldorf went on a dreadful run at the tail-end of October and didn’t win another game until early December. Up until then, they were looking like one of the top candidates for automatic promotion. Going into the rückrunde, the squad will have to channel the form they showed earlier in the season. So far, it’s been a rollercoaster of a season and it’s showing no signs of slowing down for Düsseldorf. Buckle up! 

Kaiserslautern

Current position: 9th

Current top goalscorer: Ragnar Ache (9)  

Grade: C

You win some, you lose some; that’s been Kaiserlautern’s season so far. FCK are a team that can play out a boring goalless draw against Regensburg before playing out a thrilling 4-3 victory against Düsseldorf. Just on the outskirts of the chasing pack, it remains to be seen whether Kaiserslautern have the legs to keep up with the rest of them. They start 2025 with a run of three games they should be expected to win (on paper at least).  If they can get seven points for their opening nine, FCK’s season may just spark into life. Another team to keep your eye on, particularly in the early months of 2025. 

Darmstadt 

Current position: 10th

Current top goalscorer: Isac Lindberg (9)

Grade: C

Things could have been a lot worse for Darmstadt in their return to the 2.Bundesliga. In September the club were languishing around the relegation zone and looked like they were going to copy Arminia Bielefeld with a back-to-back relegation. However, they would sack Torsten Lieberknecht and replace him with Florian Kohfeldt. Since taking over ‘FloKo’ has only lost twice (a 2-1 loss to bottom Jahn Regensburg on the final matchday before the winter break and his second game in charge against Magdeburg), away from those losses Darmstadt have thrown the cat amongst the pigeons for teams chasing promotion with big wins against Köln and Kaiserslautern while also taking points off of Karlsruhe and Hamburg in draws. The highlight of Darmstadt’s season so far has been their 5-3 win against Schalke in Kohfeldt’s first game in charge when they were 3-0 down at half-time. Darmstadt are only four points off of promotion, so it is not out of the question but they will definitely be out to cause trouble once again for promotion chasers.  

1.FC Nürnberg

Current position: 11th

Current top goalscorer: Stefanos Tzimas (8)

Grade: C-

Average is the best way to describe Nürnberg at the moment. However, it is not all doom and gloom for Die Club as they only find themselves six points off of a promotion spot all while having the youngest squad in the league. Led by legendary German striker Miroslav Klose the likes of Finn Jeltsch, Berkay Yilmaz, Casper Jander, Jens Castrop and Stefanos Tzimas have all played important roles for Nürnberg this season. The young manager and young team combo will likely not work in the first season (as seen with Dino Toppmöller at Eintracht Frankfurt) but Nürnberg can continue to use this season to grow together as a team. The only downside is that they will lose their best player in the summer once again with Tzimas set to leave the team after they activate his €18m buy option and sell him for profit. With the money, Nürnberg can build a squad good enough for promotion.

Hertha Berlin

Current position: 12th

Current top goalscorer: Florian Niederlechner (5)

Grade: C- 

Roughly mid-table on 22 points and a goal difference of 0, it’s been a frustrating watch at times for Hertha fans so far this season. The club were hoping to push on this season and be in with the mix for promotion but it hasn’t quite materialised as of yet. Form has been a big issue with Hertha winning a few before going winless for a couple of matches. Having lost their last three matches before the end of the year, Hertha’s task of pushing for promotion is looking more distant. However, the squad are capable of doing just that and in a league which is so close, all it takes is a run of four fixtures and Hertha could be right up there again. Hertha could be one to watch for a late push in the second half of the season. Overall, it hasn’t been great so far but Hertha’s season is far from over. 

Schalke 04

Current position: 13th

Current top goalscorer: Moussa Sylla (11)

Grade: D

Drama is never far away from the Veltins Arena nowadays, but most of is is happening off the pitch. On it, Schalke looks closer to 3.Liga level than Bundesliga level and constantly rely on Moussa Sylla (11) and Kenan Karaman (10) for their goals. Manager Kees van Wonderen claims he is not Harry Potter when it comes to helping the club, but die Konigsblau need more than a magician to help them have any chance of returning to the Bundesliga. Their financial issues off the pitch put restrictions on who they can sign and hire, and the fact that there are rumours of selling Sylla in the winter to help ease these issues shows the state Schalke are currently in. They will need a miracle to even try and challenge for promotion this season and it wouldn’t be unlikely if they end the season with a different manager as they prepare for another year in the second division. 

Greuther Fürth

Current position: 14th

Current top goalscorer: Noel Futkeu (7)  

Grade: C-

Having finished 8th last season, this isn’t exactly where Greuther Fürth want to be going into the rückrunde. Currently on 20 points, Fürth will be nervously looking behind them rather than up unless they can pull consecutive wins together. The team went on a dreadful run in November before winning against Hertha and Hannover which has made their league position slightly better. Their home and away record is nearly identical and it’s clear that Fürth are capable of putting in a performance against some top teams. They don’t have the ability to push for promotion but should be good enough to avoid a relegation scrap. 

Preußen Münster

Current position: 15th

Current top goalscorer: Joshua Mees (4)

Grade: C+ 

Having won back-to-back promotions, Münster have catapulted themselves into one hell of a division against some of Germany’s most historic and traditional clubs. 15th heading into the new year is a fantastic achievement for the club. The aim for the season is to survive and that’s exactly what they’re doing so far. They’re three points ahead of automatic relegation and four points from 14th. Münster’s aim in the new year will be to close the gap on those above them whilst keeping their noses in front of the chasing pack behind them. Münster are a low scoring side (18) but at the same time don’t concede many (23). They’ve had some memorable victories against Hertha Berlin and Düsseldorf but will need to get more against the teams around them. Münster’s season hangs in the balance but they’re doing all they can to survive. 

SSV Ulm

Current position: 16th 

Current top goalscorer: Semir Telalović (5)

Grade: C-

Ulm are exactly where you’d expect them to be having just come up from the 3. Liga. They knew they’d be fighting for survival and the fact that they’re not bottom and two points from safety, they’ll be somewhat content with that so far. Ulm have become masters of the draw recently having shared the spoils in four of their last five league matches. It’s a good sign if they can see out games against the likes of Hertha and HSV but they’ll still need to turn some games from one point to all three if they want to survive. That’s the big task in the rückrunde for Ulm. 

Eintracht Braunschweig

Current position: 17th

Current top goalscorer: Rayan Philippe (9) 

Grade: D

It’s another season of battling for survival at Braunschweig having just avoided the drop in their last campaign. Going into the new year, the side have lost their last three and failed to score in their previous four; during this time they’ve also conceded nine goals. Simply put, Braunschweig can’t score goals and can’t keep them out. They have a poor record against the teams around them but occasionally pull the rabbit out the hat and somehow beat Hamburg, Hannover, and Greuther Fürth at home. Top goalscorer Rayan Phillippe is responsible for 56% of all Braunschweig’s goals this campaign. You fear that should he get injured, the club would find themselves in the third division next term. 

Jahn Regensburg

Current position: 18th 

Current top goalscorer: Kai Pröger (2) 

Grade: D- 

It’s been a miserable hinrunde for Regensburg who are now odds on to go straight back down into the third tier. Their season already looked dead and buried when they lost 8-3 away at Nürnberg back in late October. This prompted the manager to be sacked and for Andreas Patz to come in. Remarkably, Regensburg went on to win their next two in all competitions and finished 2024 with a win at home to Darmstadt. They’ve been through some tough moments this season but avoiding relegation is still possible. They’re three points from Ulm in 16th and play them in late January. Is the great escape on for Regensburg?

GGFN | Jamie Allen & Jack Meenan