Bundesliga Play-Off First Leg Ends Goalless as Paderborn Withstand Wolfsburg Pressure

Wolfsburg and Paderborn played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the German Bundesliga promotion/relegation play-off on 21 May 2026. The result leaves the tie balanced, with the return fixture scheduled for Monday night at the Home Deluxe Arena. Paderborn’s Jonah Sticker was sent off in the final minutes and will miss the second leg. Historically, the Bundesliga club holds the advantage in such ties.

Paderborn withstood early pressure from Wolfsburg, who were playing to secure their 30th successive campaign in the top division. Santiago Castaneda forced an early save from Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara with a volley inside ten minutes. Wolfsburg created several chances, including efforts from Jeanuël Belocian, Adam Daghim, and a deflected Christian Eriksen cross collected by Dennis Seimen.

Paderborn manager Ralf Kettemann introduced Steffen Tigges and Nick Bätzner in the 60th minute to relieve pressure. Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking made a double change, bringing on Jesper Lindstrøm and Mahmoud Amoura for Mattias Svanberg and Adam Daghim. Christian Eriksen forced a magnificent save from Paderborn goalkeeper Dennis Seimen with a free-kick 20 minutes from time.

Paderborn almost took a shock lead in the final six minutes when Filip Bilbija’s lob was cleared off the line by Denis Vavro and Joakim Mæhle. Player ratings were provided, with Dennis Seimen (Paderborn) rated highest at 7, while Kamil Grabara (Wolfsburg) was rated 6.

The Bundesliga promotion/relegation play-off has been in place since 2009. Historically, the team that finishes third in the 2. Bundesliga has a significant advantage; only twice has the third-placed 2. Bundesliga team made it to the top flight.