Wolfsburg held 0-0 by Paderborn in first leg of Bundesliga play-off

Former champions Wolfsburg were held to a 0-0 draw by Paderborn on Thursday and face an uphill battle in the return leg of the play-off tie to avoid a first ever relegation from the Bundesliga.

Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara made a big early save from Santiago Castaneda but led by veteran Danish star Christian Eriksen the hosts soon improved, without however creating big danger.

Joakim Maehle failed to connect properly with a dangerous cross and Paderborn goalkeeper Dennis Seimen was on his guard against Adam Daghim in each half.

Paderborn almost stole a late win when Filip Bilbija's deflected effort was cleared on the goalline by Maehle but they also had to swallow a stoppage time dismissal of Jonah Sticker for a second bookable offence.

Sticker will miss the reverse fixture on Monday in Paderborn.

Wolfsburg finished third bottom in the Bundesliga and Paderborn came third in the second tier.

The 2009 champions Wolfsburg are in the Bundesliga since 1997 and among seven teams to never be relegated from the top flight. They previously saved themselves in play-off ties in 2017 and 2018.

Paderborn are seeking a place in the Bundesliga for a third time, having last played in the top tier in 2019-20.