Bundesliga: Bochum, Kiel Relegated, Heidenheim Secures Playoff Spot with Win at Union Berlin

VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel are relegated from the Bundesliga after defeats by Mainz 05 and Freiburg, respectively. Bochum lost 4-1 at home to Mainz, while Kiel fell 2-1 to Freiburg. Heidenheim earned a lifeline with a 3-0 win at Union Berlin, moving into the relegation playoff spot. The relegations conclude the Bundesliga season.

VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel have been relegated from the Bundesliga after losing their respective matches on the penultimate matchday of the season. Bochum, who were promoted back in 2021, suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Mainz 05, while Kiel lost 2-1 to Freiburg. These results have sealed their fate in the top tier of German football.

Bochum, currently at the bottom of the table with 22 points, needed a win to have any chance of staying up but failed to do so. Mainz, who are now in sixth place, secured their victory with goals from Nadiem Amiri, Phillipp Mwene, and Jonathan Burkardt, with Bochum managing to reduce the deficit through Gerrit Holtmann and Pual Nebel's late goal. Despite their efforts, it was not enough to prevent their relegation.

Kiel, who had won promotion last season, were also unable to secure their place in the Bundesliga. They took a 24th-minute lead through Lasse Rosenboom but Freiburg, battling for a top-four finish, equalized in stoppage time through Johan Manzambi. Lukas Hoeler's late goal sealed Kiel's fate, leaving them with 25 points and in 17th place.

Meanwhile, Heidenheim has earned a lifeline with a 3-0 win at Union Berlin, moving into the relegation playoff spot in 16th place. St. Pauli, who are currently in 15th place, will travel to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, with two points separating them from Heidenheim.

The Bundesliga season has now concluded with these results, leaving only the relegation playoff to be decided over the coming weeks.

References:
[1] https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/711726
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/bochum-kiel-relegated-heidenheim-get-lifeline-with-win-union-2025-05-10/
[3] https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0qnjy9y2lwt
[4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cwy0yk9pm2mt