der Abstiegskonkurrent
Translation
relegation rival, relegation competitor
Examples
Der Verein spielt gegen einen direkten Abstiegskonkurrenten.
The club is playing against a direct relegation rival.
Grammar Patterns
to play/win/lose against a relegation rival Der Verein muss gegen den Abstiegskonkurrenten gewinnen.
Similar Words
Mitbewerber im Abstiegskampf (competitor in the relegation battle); Antonyms: Aufstiegskandidat (promotion candidate)
Etymology
Composed of 'Abstieg' (relegation, descent) + '-s-' (linking element) + 'Konkurrent' (competitor). Literally a 'relegation competitor'.
Memory Tips
Picture two sports teams competing ('Konkurrent') to avoid going down ('Abstieg') to a lower league.