Overview
- 1. FC Köln secured a vital 3:1 victory over Preußen Münster, reclaiming the top spot in the 2. Bundesliga with 54 points, one ahead of Hamburger SV.
- Hamburger SV missed the opportunity to solidify their lead after a 2:2 draw against Schalke 04, despite playing nearly the entire match with a man advantage.
- 1. FC Magdeburg moved into third place with a decisive 3:0 win over Jahn Regensburg, overtaking SV Elversberg by a single point in the race for the promotion playoff spot.
- SV Darmstadt 98 effectively ensured their 2. Bundesliga survival with a 3:1 victory over Hannover 96, who now face a steep challenge to stay in the promotion race.
- The promotion and relegation battles remain tightly contested with four matches left, as narrow point margins intensify the stakes for every result.