Karlsruhe did all they could, but it wasn't good enough in the end. A fantastic display saw them comfortable beat 1860 Munich, who'll be involved in a play-off of their own next week.
Unsurprisingly, Karlsruhe started the best and were subsequently rewarded, though it was an unfortunate way for 1860 to fall behind. Manuel Torres' cross was set to fall for Rouwen Hennings, only for Kai Bülow to finish the chance off for him. The unfortunate centre-half could only direct the ball past his own 'keeper; the worst possible start.
The hosts continued to push forward, looking to push forward as much as possible to kill the game off early on. Torres was a constant menace to Lions' defence.
As for Rubin Okotie and his fellow forwards, time on the ball was very limited. The only time there was any real danger to the Karlsruhe back-line was from set-pieces, but even then Daniel Gordon and Manuel Gulde looked comfortable.
Hennings finally got his chance in the latter part of the half, with Torres the creator once again. The Dutchman was unmarked at the back post but was unable to direct it on target, meaning Karlsruhe had to settle for just the one goal lead at half-time.
The second-half began much more evenly. Neither side were able to venture forward without worrying about their defensive responsibilities. Hennings' attempt was well stopped by Vitus Eicher, who was becoming increasingly involved as time went on.
Attack after attack, the pressure continued to build and build; finally, Karlsruhe had that crucial second goal. Enrico Valentini slipped in Manuel Torres and he tucked it past Eicher to calm the hosts' nerves.
Karlsruhe had won, but it wasn't enough for automatic promotion. They will face Hamburger SV for a place in the Bundesliga next year, while 1860 take on Holstein Kiel to maintain their 2. Bundesliga status.