The Bundesliga 2 promotion race has been as entertaining and unpredictable as ever in 2022/23, played out in front of huge crowds. On the final day, Heidenheim pipped Darmstadt to the title in dramatic fashion, while Hamburg have to make do with the play-off.

Heidenheim - CHAMPIONS
Position: 1st
Points: 67
Goals: 67-36 (+31)

Defeat in Paderborn had left Heidenheim just a point above Hamburg heading into the final two fixtures of the season, but they bounced back with victory over Sandhausen to keep their promotion fate in their own hands on the final day. They looked to have let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers as they fell 2-0 behind to Regensburg during Matchday 34, but they completed a dramatic comeback to triumph 3-2. Not only did the three points secure promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time ever, but they also ended the campaign as champions.

Watch: Heidenheim snatch promotion and the title in dramatic fashion

Darmstadt - PROMOTED
Position: 2nd
Points: 67
Goals: 50-33 (+17)

After slipping up against St. Pauli and Hannover, Darmstadt made it a case of third time lucky on Matchday 33. Phillip Tietz scored the only goal against Magdeburg as the Lilies confirmed their place in next season's Bundesliga, after a six-year absence. A point at Fürth on the final day would have been enough to clinch top spot, but a surprising 4-0 defeat means they have to make do with being runners-up.

Watch: The best of Darmstadt's season

See how the Bundesliga's battle for survival unfolded

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Hamburg
Position: 3rd (promotion play-off)
Points: 66
Goals: 70-45 (+25

HSV have been knocking at the door of a Bundesliga return ever since getting relegated five years ago, only missing out last term in the play-offs against Hertha Berlin. They will have to make do with another play-off tie, this time versus Stuttgart, after automatic promotion was cruelly taken away from them on the final day. Their 1-0 victory away at Sandhausen looked to have been enough to leapfrog Heidenheim into second place, but FCH's comeback triumph, including a winner in the 99th minute, saw Tim Walter's men drop out of the top two right at the last.

Watch: HSV thought they were up till Heidenheim's late winner

AS IT HAPPENED - The race for promotion on Matchday 34