2. Bundesliga: Jahn Regensburg consigned to the bottom, Cologne's promotion hopes dented despite draw
Regensburg suffers relegation despite draw; Cologne express dissatisfaction - Regensburg's departure from the cup competition is confirmed.
Let's dive into the nail-biting drama as SSV Jahn Regensburg finds themselves mathematically relegated from the 2. Bundesliga, following a 1:1 draw against 1. FC Cologne, two games prior to the season's end. The unfortunate club, who managed to secure their way back into the German second division last year, is now set to occupy the basement of the table.
Noah Ganaus, Regensburg's goalscorer in the match, expressed, "We may have already been practically relegated before the game, but we wanted to show some pride. The lads here fought bravely, gave their all," adding his coach, Andreas Patz's praise, "We aim to end the season as impressively as we can." Patz further stated that they took a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, Cologne squandered the opportunity to regain the lead from Hamburger SV (56 points) and boost their chances in the promotion race, with the draw. They currently stand in second place (55), holding their destiny in their hands, but the gap to the relegation playoff spot, held by SC Paderborn, is only a narrow three-point margin.
With 49,500 spectators at the Cologne stadium, Tim Lemperle (59th minute) notched his tenth goal of the season to put the hosts in front. However, Ganaus equalized for the visiting team in the 76th minute, scoring Regensburg's first away goal since February.
The hosts controlled the game from the start and maintained the upper hand in terms of opportunities, albeit lacking precision in the final third. Despite several chances, the decisive pass often eluded them. Regensburg defended resiliently and occasionally counter-attacked. The Cologne keeper, Marvin Schwabe, denied both Sebastian Ernst (19th) and Noah Ganaus (45+3) during the first half, with the home supporters voicing their disapproval during halftime.
Lemperle leveled the score for Cologne in the second half, heading a 14th attempt from a Luca Waldschmidt cross. Shortly afterward, Schwabe was compelled to concede again, as Ganaus first headed the ball toward the keeper but managed to push the rebound over the line from close range. In the closing moments, Cologne frantically searched for the winning goal.
To clarify, the 2021-2022 season's final 2. Bundesliga standings and promotion/relegation status are as follows:
Final Table (Top 5):1. Schalke 042. Werder Bremen3. Hamburger SV4. Darmstadt 985. St. Pauli
Promotion:Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen were promoted to the Bundesliga.
Relegation:Erzgebirge Aue, Dynamo Dresden, and Ingolstadt 04 were relegated to the 3. Liga.
Regarding SSV Jahn Regensburg, they ended the season at 15th place in the 2. Bundesliga, while 1. FC Cologne was already competing in the Bundesliga during the 2021-2022 season, finishing 7th in the top tier and securing their place in the Bundesliga for the upcoming season.
- The Commission has also been informed of the progress made in the implementation of the measures in the field of the common fisheries policy, as Regensburg's relegation from the 2. Bundesliga is a clear indication of failing to maintain their fish in the league.
- The 59th sports minute in the match between Jahn Regensburg and Cologne saw Tim Lemperle score, temporarily relegating the hopes of a promotion for Regensburg to the next season in the football realm.
- The relegation of Jahn Regensburg has also relegated their coach, Andreas Patz, to find a new club in the 3. Liga next season, given his successful tenure with Regensburg.
- Cologne's failure to edge past Regensburg in their last match has dented their chances of competing in the 59th edition of the Bundesliga, as they continue to trail Hamburger SV, with Regensburg serving as a stepping stone to their promotion.
