Hansa Rostock faces a pivotal encounter against Paderborn on Sunday in the final matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season. While both teams are safe from immediate relegation, their ambitions differ greatly. Rostock finds itself precariously positioned in 17th place, just one point outside the relegation play-off zone. A victory is crucial for their survival hopes. On the other hand, Paderborn sits comfortably in seventh place with 49 points and aims to finish the season as high up the table as possible.

Contrasting Form: Paderborn’s Victories Clash with Rostock’s Woes

Paderborn enters the match brimming with confidence after securing a 1-0 home victory over Hamburger SV. This win solidified their seventh-place position and further highlighted their offensive prowess, with 52 goals scored in 33 matches. Defensively, they have conceded 53 goals. In contrast, Hansa Rostock is mired in a worrying slump, having lost their last five consecutive matches, the most recent being a 2-1 defeat against Schalke 04. This poor run leaves them with a meager 31 points and the daunting task of avoiding relegation.

Paderborn Dominates Historical Encounters

Head-to-head statistics paint a bleak picture for Rostock. Paderborn has enjoyed a dominant run against them in recent seasons, remaining undefeated in their last eight 2. Bundesliga meetings (five wins and three draws). Their last encounter in December resulted in a convincing 3-0 victory for Paderborn at Home Deluxe Arena. This dominant performance included goals from Adriano Grimaldi, Raphael Obermair, and Kai Klefisch. Rostock’s last league victory over Paderborn dates back to September 2016, highlighting the significant challenge they face.

Key Players Look to Shine on Both Sides

Despite their recent struggles, Rostock will be relying on the attacking contributions of Kai Pröger, Juan José Perea, and Júnior Brumado, who are all tied for the team lead with four goals each. Conversely, Paderborn boasts a more potent attack spearheaded by Adriano Grimaldi (eight goals), Raphael Obermair (five goals), and Filip Bilbija (five goals). Their ability to consistently find the net has been a key factor in Paderborn’s success this season.

Home Advantage vs. Away Strength

Venue could play a role in determining the outcome of this match. Hansa Rostock will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage, having secured six wins, two draws, and eight losses in their sixteen 2. Bundesliga home fixtures. However, Paderborn shouldn’t be underestimated on the road, boasting a decent away record that includes seven wins, three draws, and six losses in league matches away from home.