Who's up, who's down and who's ready to battle in the Bundesliga relegation action

FC Köln and Hamburger SV are set to return to the Bundesliga after finishing first and second in the 2. Bundesliga, respectively. Köln will replace VfL Bochum, while HSV takes Holstein Kiel's spot. Meanwhile, Elversberg, finishing third in 2. Bundesliga, will face Heidenheim in promotion/relegation playoffs. This year’s playoff features a compelling narrative, as Heidenheim meets Elversberg in a series of matches to determine who secures a position in the top flight. The first leg is on May 22, followed by the return match on May 26.

Köln and HSV have been promoted back to the Bundesliga, with Elversberg facing Heidenheim in the upcoming promotion/relegation playoffs, a tale for football romantics.

The tie’s first leg takes place at Heidenheim’s Voith-Arena on Thursday, May 22, with the return encounter set for Waldstadion Kaiserlinde on May 26.

Read at Bavarian Football Works