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Wolfsburg and paderborn battle ends in stalemate in bundesliga playoffs

By nigerreport / May 21, 2026

Wolfsburg and Paderborn battle ends in stalemate in bundesliga playoffs

Wolfsburg players in action against Paderborn during the Bundesliga playoff first leg
Wolfsburg players in action against Paderborn during the Bundesliga playoff first leg

The first leg of the Bundesliga promotion playoffs ended without a winner on Thursday evening. Wolfsburg, 16th in the latest German league standings, was held to a 0-0 draw by Paderborn, third in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite dominating the match, the Wolves must now travel to their opponent’s ground next Monday to secure their top-flight survival.

Wolfsburg secured their playoff spot just days earlier with a crucial 3-1 victory at Sankt Pauli, while Paderborn clinched third place in the 2. Bundesliga on the final day after beating Darmstadt 2-0, aided by Hannover’s 3-3 draw with Nuremberg. Yet neither side managed to break the deadlock in the opening leg, leaving the outcome wide open ahead of the return fixture.

Paderborn started strongly

The visitors from Paderborn dictated the early tempo, pressing aggressively and exploiting quick transitions. Their finest chance came from a corner, forcing Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara into a spectacular double save. However, after that scare, the home side gradually took control, spearheaded by captain Christian Eriksen.

Wolfsburg dominated but lacked cutting edge

Possessing 63% of the ball and mustering 15 shots, Wolfsburg created far more chances than their opponents. Yet the home side struggled to convert their dominance into goals, with Paderborn’s compact defensive block standing firm. In the dying moments, Paderborn were reduced to ten men after Jonah Sticker’s red card, but they held firm to preserve the goalless draw. A frustrating result for Wolfsburg, who will now have to fight for survival on Monday (20:30) away from home.

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