Hoffenheim grabs a point at Wolfsburg to almost guarantee Bundesliga status

By: The Associated Press Posted: 4:10 PM CDT Friday, May. 9, 2025

WOLFSBURG, Germany (AP) — Interim Wolfsburg coach Daniel Bauer watched his new charges take the lead after just 18 seconds on Friday but Hoffenheim twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw and a point that almost guarantees its top-flight survival.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/05/2025 (510 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The result lifts Hoffenheim into 14th place in the 18-team Bundesliga with 32 points.

Heidenheim, which is third from bottom and currently occupying the relegation-playoff spot, has 26 points. It could draw level with Hoffenheim by winning its last two games — and Hoffenheim losing its final match — but Heidenheim has a worse goal difference.

Wolfsburg's Jonas Wind, middle celebrates scoring a goal during the Bundesliga soccer match between VfL Wolfsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, Friday May 9, 2025. (Swen Pförtner/dpa via AP)

St. Pauli is 15th with 31 points and Holstein Kiel 17th with 25 points. Both teams have two matches to play.

Last-placed Bochum is already relegated.

Very fast own-goal

Hoffenheim’s point came despite going behind to an own-goal that was the fastest in Wolfsburg’s Bundesliga history as Leo Østigård knocked Mohamed Amoura’s cross-cum-shot into his own net.

It was the perfect start for Bauer, the 42-year-old reserve coach who replaced Ralph Hasenhüttl for the last two games of the season.

However, Pavel Kadeřábek equalized with a fine volley after 34 minutes and although both teams scored late on – Jonas Wind putting Wolfsburg ahead after 82 minutes and Marius Bülter equalizing three minutes later – the result stayed the same.

Wolfsburg is now winless in its last nine games and remains in 12th place with 40 points.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer