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Elversberg Aims to Become Bundesliga’s Smallest Club in Historic Promotion Playoff Against Heidenheim

Posted : 21 May 2025

A team from the small German town of Elversberg is on the brink of making Bundesliga history as they prepare for their promotion playoff against Heidenheim, the side that finished third from bottom in the top tier. With a population of just 13,000, Elversberg could become the smallest town to have a team in the Bundesliga, surpassing the record held by Unterhaching.

 

 Their rise is remarkable, considering they were only promoted to the second division two years ago, and they now face a two-legged tie starting Thursday, with the return match set for Monday.

 

The match-up has drawn playful attention from German media and fans, with tabloids dubbing it "El Dorfico" — a humorous nod to the "Clasico" derbies, given both clubs hail from towns small enough to fit their entire populations into a large stadium.

 

 Even the national rail provider joined in, joking about a single-carriage train for fans, prompting a witty reply from Heidenheim, who recommended more reliable travel options.

 

Elversberg’s ascent has been driven by long-time chairman Frank Holzer, a local entrepreneur whose pharmaceutical company — known for its eye drops — is now a key sponsor, often represented at press conferences alongside traditional refreshments.

 

Despite their underdog status, Elversberg has drawn praise from Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt, who called their manager Horst Steffen the “coach of the year” and acknowledged their exceptional form in the second division. Steffen, meanwhile, remains humble, saying the team is already living a dream, regardless of whether promotion is achieved.

 

While Heidenheim has recent European experience, they too are considered one of Germany’s smaller professional clubs. Historically, the Bundesliga team has prevailed in most playoff seasons since 2009, but Elversberg is hoping to defy the odds and complete their fairy-tale journey to the top flight.

 

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