VfL Wolfsburg spectacularly threw away a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 with newly-promoted Energie Cottbus on Saturday. This shocking result deals a significant blow to the promotion favorite's early-season momentum.
Manager Niko Kovač's side was cruising with a 3-0 advantage after just 34 minutes, seemingly on course for a third win of the campaign. However, Cottbus, whose squad market value is just one-tenth of Wolfsburg's, mounted an incredible comeback. The visitors pulled one back before halftime and completed their fightback to level at 3-3 in the second half.
Tolcay Cigerci restored Wolfsburg's lead from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. But the relief was short-lived. Cottbus found a late equalizer to snatch a dramatic 4-4 draw. This is a major setback for a Wolfsburg side widely tipped for an immediate return to the Bundesliga.
Despite the disappointing draw, VfL Wolfsburg maintains a strong position in the 2. Bundesliga table. With seven points from three matches, the club sits in third place. Their record shows two wins and one draw, with a goal difference of +4 (6 scored, 2 conceded). Their recent form reads WWD. The gap to the summit, occupied by 1. FC Nürnberg, is just two points.
Failing to beat a promoted side, largely considered a minor threat in pre-season, is a psychological blow. A win would have propelled Wolfsburg to the top or piled pressure on the leaders. Instead, the team must digest what feels like two points dropped. The defensive collapse after establishing a commanding lead raises serious questions. Manager Kovač must address his team's concentration over the full 90 minutes if the promotion mission is to stay on track.
The team has little time to dwell on the result. The next challenge comes quickly with an away trip to face FC St. Pauli on Saturday, September 12, 2026. St. Pauli currently occupies 12th place in the table. The match at the Millerntor-Stadion represents another tough test in a demanding early-season schedule. Preparation for this fixture will be the sole focus of the coming week. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
Kovač has a deep squad to choose from. The training ground work this week will be important to correct the errors from the Cottbus game and restore defensive solidity. The objective of securing direct promotion remains most important, but such setbacks cannot become a habit. The away game in Hamburg on September 12 provides the next immediate opportunity for a response.
