SC Paderborn missed the chance to climb out of the relegation zone as Hoffenheim held on to a goalless draw after losing Ermin Bicakcic to a second-half red card.
The early signs were promising for Hoffenheim as they dominated the opening 45 minutes, but clear chances were rare, with Sven Schipplock dragging the best opportunity of the first half past the post.
After spending much of the early stages on the back foot, Paderborn could have broken the deadlock before the break had Srdjan Lakic found the target with a header at the back post.
Both sides were keen to get on top after the interval, and Hoffenheim came close to taking the lead in spectacular fashion when Lukas Kruse tipped Sebastian Rudy's free kick over the crossbar.
Paderborn were then handed the advantage as Bicakcic foolishly picked up two yellow cards inside 10 minutes to pile the pressure on the visitors.
Oliver Baumann came to the rescue for his side twice as Paderborn went in search of a winner, with both Alban Meha and Lakic seeing efforts saved.
There would be one final nervy moment for Markus Gisdol's side in stoppage time when Meha curled a free kick inches wide of the post to the relief of the travelling supporters.
Callum Mulvihill
