No winner in sight after a cagey first leg

Wolfsburg, sitting 16th in the Bundesliga, hosted third-tier side Paderborn in the first leg of the relegation playoff. The home side dominated proceedings but were frustrated by a resolute Paderborn defense, leaving the tie finely poised at 0-0 ahead of the return match.

Paderborn start brightly

It was Paderborn who began the match with more intensity, pressing high and forcing Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara into an early save from a corner. The visitors’ aggressive approach nearly paid off, but their best chance of the first half went begging.

Wolfsburg turn up the heat

After the break, Wolfsburg stepped up their game, led by captain Christian Eriksen. The Wolves enjoyed 63% possession and peppered the Paderborn goal with 15 shots, but lacked the cutting edge to break down their visitors. A late red card to Paderborn’s Jonah Sticker added to Wolfsburg’s frustration as they failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage.

All to play for in the return

With the first leg ending in a stalemate, the return match in Paderborn on Monday evening will be a tense affair. Wolfsburg will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to secure their Bundesliga status, while Paderborn will be dreaming of causing another upset in front of their home fans.