HSV’s old tricks of surviving on the last day of the season didn’t work this time around.
Even though they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1, Wolfsburg’s 4-1 victory over Cologne ended their overdue stay in the elite division.
Unlike Bayern Munich who won promotion in 1965, Hamburg, the six-time German champions, were one of the initial Bundesliga teams 55 years ago.
Hamburg and Cologne drop to the second-tier while Wolfsburg must negotiate their stay in the playoff.
Bayern Munich secured the title over three weeks ago, joined by Schalke 04 and Hoffenheim in the Champions League.