Relegation without consideration: Saarbrücken challenges Braunschweig!

Relegation without consideration: Saarbrücken challenges Braunschweig!

On Friday evening, May 23, 2025, the eagerly awaited first leg between 1. FC Saarbrücken and Eintracht Braunschweig will take place in the relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga. While the season of the top three German professional leagues has already ended, these two teams are now fighting to stay or be promoted to the second highest German league. The game takes place at 8:30 p.m. and could be very important for both teams.

Saarbrücken, which secured third place in the 3rd league with a 2-1 win against Dortmund II and the simultaneous mistake from Cottbus, goes into the relegation with a positive balance. Under coach Alois Schwartz, who previously replaced Rüdiger Ziehl, the team was able to score nine out of twelve possible points in the second half of the season. This shows the stability and willingness of the FCS to return to the 2nd Bundesliga after 19 years. The team has never finished the season lower than seventh and has only suffered four home defeats this season. However, there are personnel concerns: injuries are plaguing, among others, regular goalkeeper Philip Menzel and several key players.

The situation near Braunschweig

On the other side of relegation is Eintracht Braunschweig, who are under pressure to turn things around. After a disappointing season in which the team and coach Daniel Scherning were replaced following a 1:4 defeat against 1. FC Nürnberg, assistant coach Marc Pfitzner took over the reins. Braunschweig finished the league in 16th place and has only picked up two points in its last few games, adding to fans' worries. Despite these challenges, there are voices in the team that are encouraging: defender Yannis Nikolaou and striker Patrick Schmidt emphasize that the team has the potential to defeat Saarbrücken and to perform with concentration.

The betting odds reflect the uncertainty: a win by Saarbrücken is rated at 2.30, while a success by Braunschweig is rated at 3.15. A draw is at 3.50. What is also interesting is the fact that since relegation was reintroduced, 12 of 16 third division teams have been able to win their duels against second division teams, which gives Saarbrücken additional hope. In addition, the FCS fans are enjoying great euphoria and camped out for over 24 hours before tickets for the away game go on sale.

Historical aspects and outlook

Historically, the omens for Saarbrücken are not too bad: only one of three relegation duels was lost, while Braunschweig was unsuccessful in two relegation duels. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. in Braunschweig and will be another test for both teams. Sports director Jürgen Luginger emphasizes that anything is possible in football in two games and that the coming days will be crucial for the future of both clubs.

With the upcoming games in mind, fans and players from both sides are excited about the outcome and hoping for the best result for their team. The pressure couldn't be higher as thoughts already turn to the second leg in Braunschweig.

Betting base reports that...
ZDF describes the current situation...