Werder Bremen relegated, Köln in the play-off after dramatic final day in the Bundesliga

The 2020/21 Bundesliga season came to an end on Saturday, as Werder Bremen were relegated for the first time in 41 years after a thrilling finale.

Werder Bremen went into matchday 34 with a one point lead over 17th placed FC Köln in the Bundesliga standings. But the final day of the season proved to be a disaster for the Green-Whites, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Borussia Mönchengladbach. That, combined with Köln’s narrow win over Schalke 04, condemned Bremen to relegation.

Werder Bremen fell behind in their game early on, with Lars Stindl opening the scoring for Gladbach. Second half goals from Marcus Thuram, Ramy Bensebaini and Florian Neuhaus then gave the Foals a dominant lead, before Bremen pulled two goals back late on. But the goals weren’t enough to save them. Bremen will now join Schalke 04 in the 2. Bundesliga next season.

Despite Werder Bremen’s defeat, FC Köln needed an 86th minute winner from Sebastiaan Bornauw to avoid automatic relegation. The Billy Goats had a goal controversially ruled out earlier in the game. But Bornauw’s late header means that they live to fight another day.

FC Köln will now face the team that finishes third in the 2. Bundesliga in the promotion/relegation play-off. VfL Bochum, Holstein Kiel and Greuther Fürth will battle it out for the promotion places on the final day of the 2. Bundesliga season on Sunday.

Arminia Bielefeld made sure that they weren’t dragged into the relegation battle, as they earned a 2-0 win away to VfB Stuttgart. Second half goals from Fabian Klos and Ritsu Doan were enough to ensure a second season in the Bundesliga for Bielefeld.