VfL Wolfsburg will make their return to the Champions League for the first time in five years, following their deserved 3-1 victory in Paderborn. The win also saw Wolfsburg reclaim second place, after Gladbach had temporarily overtaken them on matchday 32. SC Paderborn on the other hand remain fully involved in the relegation battle, currently finding themselves in 17th place.
Wolfsburg, winless in three prior to matchday 32, are now guaranteed a third place finish and will therefore return to Europe's elite club competition only for the second time in the club's history. Centre back Klose and a brace from Bas Dost provided Wolfsburg with the required goals against Paderborn, who were only able to bag a consolation goal through Lukas Rupp in second half injury time.
"I feel relieved," said Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs after the game. "Our performances in recent weeks weren't always that straightforward." He announced the signing of Germany international Max Kruse from Borussia Mönchengladbach for the coming season after the game. "I can confirm that Kruse will sign a four-year deal with Wolfsburg."
Schalke drop more points in the race for Europe
FC Schalke 04 just can't seem to get a run going, as they suffered a clear and deserved 2-0 defeat away to 1. FC Köln. The Royal Blues are now under pressure to qualify for the Europa League, having already missed out in the Champions League battle. Schalke have only failed to qualify for Europe once in the past 15 years. Meanwhile, Köln have ensured their Bundesliga status thanks to the win.
Schalke are now just two points clear of archrivals Borussia Dortmund, who currently sit seventh. S04 have only managed to win two of their last twelve games, while they are yet to secure an away victory in 2015 and have failed to score in five of their eight games on the road since the winter break.
The remaining two games will see the Gelsenkirchen club take on relegation candidates SC Paderborn and Hamburger SV. Köln fully deserved to win the match against a poor Schalke side. Marcel Risse and Yannick Gerhardt bagged the gaols, as the Billy Goats eliminated all remaining relegation fears, remaining unbeaten for a fifth consecutive game.