Bundesliga: Seimen stops Wolfsburg and play-off will be decided in the second leg in Paderborn (0-0)

Relive the key moments of the match

In the return of the most decisive format in the German calendar, Paderborn took to the field aiming to defy the theoretical favouritism of their opponents and become only the fourth second-tier team to triumph in 18 editions of this knockout model. Ralf Kettemann's men actually started better: Filip Bilbija saw his header blocked, and in the follow-up, Santiago Castañeda unleashed a powerful volley that forced Kamil Grabara into the first major save of the night.

However, Wolfsburg recovered from the early scare, settled their game, and began to threaten the opposition area. Denis Vavro tested Dennis Seimen's goal with a low shot that grazed the post, and soon after, Adam Daghim – the standout player in the first half – challenged the reflexes of Paderborn's goalkeeper in a swift counter-attack. Just before the break, a whipped cross from Christian Eriksen nearly sneaked in at the near post, setting the tone for the second half.

Paderbon entered the second half aware of the daunting historical record: since 2009, no second-division team has won the first leg of this play-off on Bundesliga opposition soil. Nevertheless, they managed to shut down the paths to their goal. Wolfsburg intensified their attacking efforts, and shots began raining down on Seimen, including a curling free-kick from Eriksen that the 20-year-old goalkeeper dealt with brilliantly.

In the closing stages, some tactical substitutions by Kettemann reinvigorated Paderborn. In one of the most dangerous moves of the night, it took precise interventions from Vavro and Joakim Maehle on the goal line to prevent Bilbija's lob from finding the back of the net.

Despite celebrating a goalless draw that leaves everything open for the decisive match at home, Paderborn ended the game on a sour note: Jonah Sticker received a second yellow card and was sent off right at the final whistle.

For Wolfsburg, who just weeks ago seemed doomed – four points adrift of 16th place – the recovery to reach this play-off is commendable, but the team must now win away to secure their survival. Meanwhile, Paderborn will aim to break the second-tier curse and emulate Union Berlin's 2019 feat, seeking a return to the Bundesliga after six years away.