Esbjerg fB faces Superliga return after seven years in lower divisions

Esbjerg fB could secure promotion to Denmark’s top football division for the first time since 2020 if results fall their way in Sunday’s decisive final round of matches, reports DR.

The 100-year-old club, relegated from the Superliga in 2020 and again from the first division in 2022, now sits third in the table with 49 points—two behind AC Horsens. A win over already-promoted Lyngby, combined with a Horsens loss to Kolding, would see Esbjerg return to the Superliga after seven seasons away.

“This isn’t just about pride—it’s about survival,” said managing director Allan Agerholm. “The financial gap between the first division and the Superliga is in the double-digit millions. We’re talking 12–15 million kroner in additional revenue.”

Head coach Sancheev Manoharan acknowledged the long odds but remained defiant: “Stranger things have happened in football. When it comes down to one match, anything can happen. We’re hoping Kolding does us a favour.”

Esbjerg entered the season targeting a top-half finish in the first division, with Superliga promotion not planned until 2027 or 2028. But Agerholm left no doubt about the club’s current ambition: “Now that we’re here, we’ll fight like hell to win. That’s all there is to it.”

Horsens, holding a 13-goal advantage in goal difference, need only a draw against Kolding to secure promotion regardless of Esbjerg’s result.