Bundesliga relegation battle set for gripping final day

For the first time in Bundesliga history, the bottom three clubs -- Wolfsburg, Heidenheim and St Pauli -- are level on points heading into the final round of matches.

Wolfsburg sit 16th with a goal difference three better than Heidenheim and St Pauli. The latter two have an identical goal difference, but Heidenheim are ahead on goals scored.

St Pauli can look their challengers directly in the eyes when they host Wolfsburg, but even a win in that battle may not be enough.

Heidenheim host Mainz and can avoid automatic relegation by winning by more than whoever is victorious in Hamburg, with all games played simultaneously on Saturday.

The club finishing 16th takes on the third-placed Bundesliga 2 side in a two-legged relegation play-off, while 17th and 18th are automatically sent down.

While St Pauli have moved between the divisions for much of their history, Wolfsburg, promoted in 1997, have never suffered relegation from the top flight.

Heidenheim are in their third Bundesliga season since being promoted in 2023.

Wolfsburg's goal difference means they could finish 16th even with a point, but only if Heidenheim fail to win.

In excellent form, Heidenheim have lost just one of their past seven games, claiming 12 points in that run.

Considered by many as relegation certainties a few weeks ago, they are within touching distance of a great escape.