Werder rock the 2. Bundesliga North: after the bitter relegation of 1980 came immediate promotion, with the club's best record across all leagues since the Bundesliga was founded. Calculated with three points for a win, Werder would have taken 98 points from 42 matches. Promotion was secured on May 12, 1981 with a 3:0 win at VfB Oldenburg in the legendary Donnerschwee stadium, known as the hell of the north.
Otto Rehhagel's side featured big names including Dieter Burdenski, Schalke legend Klaus Fichtel and Erwin Kostedde.