Braunschweig report card

Tipped as a side that were here for the ride, Braunschweig made a real go of staying in the top flight and can be immensely proud that it came down to the final day before their relegation was in fact confirmed.

On a limited budget, with a small and developing squad, the club have won many fans in their brief return to the top flight. Sadly, their lack of goals (29) was their biggest problem.

Key player

Braunschweig's main strength was their collective nature. Karim Bellarabi's pace was a real asset, but too often hot and cold. Domi Kumbela scored plenty, but not enough, while Ermin Bicakcic was solid but also sloppy.

Their most endearing quality was their team unity, but without a stand-out player, the club struggled in a number of games.

Surprise player

Touted as a definite second-division striker at the start of the season, Kumbela's nine goals may not sound like much but certainly represented a solid effort. His bicycle-kick against Mainz was breathtaking and for a man hampered by injury at the start of the season, he can be proud of his 2013/14 Bundesliga campaign.

Coach

Torsten Lieberknecht was the heart and soul of this team and deserved to have the entire campaign in the dugout. He said after the final-day defeat to Hoffenheim that "we weren't relegated today," which must have been his greatest frustration.

A man full of passion and belief, he wasn't equipped with a great set of tools and is still learning at this level. He will be missed on the touchline.

Defining moment

Leaving the top flight having not lost to their fierce rivals, Wolfsburg, a side they haven't played since the 1970s, is absolutely huge for Braunschweig. A 2-0 away win on matchday 8 saw the fans jubilant, but to then draw at home in March left them (rightfully) proud as punch.

What's next?

Lieberknecht will stick around and with the money they get from a top-flight season, there is a distinct possiblity that the club could return quickly. The second division is plagued by sides capable of promotion but not realising their potential.

With stability and sensible finance on their side, Braunschweig could well have the nouse to return sooner rather than later.

Grade: B

Relegation was the expectation, and so survival would have been astounding, but taking their survival chances to the last day was remarkable and so they deserve recognition.