During the 2017–18 season, Karlsruher SC competed in Germany's third tier, the 3. Liga, following their relegation the previous year. Under the guidance of manager Alois Schwartz, who stabilized the team after a rocky start to the campaign, Karlsruhe put together a highly competitive run to finish 3rd in the league standings with 69 points. This third-place finish earned them a spot in the promotion play-offs, where they ultimately fell just short of an immediate return to the 2. Bundesliga, losing 3–1 on aggregate to Erzgebirge Aue.