Wolfsburg Frustrated by Paderborn in 0-0 Bundesliga Play-off
VfL Wolfsburg and SC Paderborn 07 played out a tense, goalless draw in the first leg of the Bundesliga promotion-relegation play-off at the Volkswagen Arena, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of Monday’s return fixture.
Despite utterly dominating possession and registering 17 attempts on goal, the top-flight hosts could not find a way past a resolute Paderborn defence, inspired by an excellent performance from goalkeeper Dennis Seimen.The visitors, who narrowly missed out on automatic promotion from the 2. Bundesliga on goal difference, were limited to just two shots all evening but arguably created the game’s clearest opportunities against the run of play.
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Inside the opening nine minutes, Santiago Castañeda drilled a sharp shot on the turn towards the far post, forcing a smart, punching save from Wolfsburg’s Kamil Grabara. From then on, the hosts assumed control. Christian Eriksen and Joakim Mæhle orchestrated attacks, but Wolfsburg repeatedly lacked a clinical edge in the final third. Adam Daghim saw a first-half effort smothered, while Denis Vavro and Jeanuël Belocian both dragged shots wide as the pressure mounted.
The pattern continued after the interval. Daghim’s looping header was securely held by Seimen just after the hour mark, and Eriksen watched his bending free-kick pushed to safety. Substitute Mohamed Amoura also met a delivery with a firm header, but the Paderborn keeper was once again equal to the task.
Yet, it was almost Paderborn who snatched a dramatic late winner. In the 84th minute, Filip Bilbija pounced on a scramble following a long throw-in and lifted a tight-angled shot over Grabara, only for two Wolfsburg defenders to desperately hook the ball off the goal line.
The visitors’ night ended on a sour note when wing-back Jonah Sticker, having been booked for a tactical foul in the 92nd minute, received a second yellow card moments later for a rash late challenge on Kevin Paredes. He will now miss the decisive second leg.
Wolfsburg head coach Dieter Hecking was left visibly frustrated by his side’s profligacy, lamenting their “sloppy” attacking play. The pressure remains squarely on the top-flight club as they head to the Home Deluxe Arena, where Paderborn will look to capitalise on home advantage and secure a return to the Bundesliga.
