Stuttgart frustrated in SC Paderborn draw

SC Paderborn extended their winless run to seven games while Stuttgart slipped into the Bundesliga bottom three after an uninspiring goalless draw at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Lukas Kruse was forced into action early on to prevent Stuttgart from taking the lead when Daniel Didavi targeted the top corner with a powerful free kick from the edge of the box.

There was very little to choose between the two teams throughout the afternoon, but it was Stuttgart who continued to create the better chances as Adam Hlousek headed wide from Timo Werner's inviting cross.

After surviving a number of nervy moments in the first half, Paderborn went onto the front foot after the break as Uwe Hunemeier forced Sven Ulreich into a fine save with his powerful header.

Paderborn looked the sharper of the two sides in possession in the second half, but Kruse was put under pressure again as he pushed Daniel Schwaab's header past the post to frustrate the hosts once more.

A frantic finish to the match saw both teams desperately search for the winner, but neither could find the breakthrough as Huub Stevens and Andre Breitenreiter were each forced to settle for a point.