Mainz and Paderborn open the season with a goalless draw shaped by Nahuel Noll
The first 0-0 of the 2026-27 Bundesliga. Mainz had 21 shots to Paderborn's 17 at the MEWA ARENA, but promoted Paderborn's keeper Nahuel Noll kept everything out.
The 2026-27 Bundesliga got its first goalless draw on matchday 1, with Mainz and SC Paderborn splitting the points at the MEWA ARENA. Mainz pushed for the win and could not find it; promoted Paderborn dug in and left with a point on their return to the top flight.
Mainz had the better of the chances — 21 shots to 17 — but only four of theirs were on target, and Paderborn keeper Nahuel Noll dealt with all of them. He turned aside efforts from Phillipp Mwene and Dominik Kohr in the second half and was voted man of the match by the fans.
Match facts
- No goals — the first 0-0 of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season
- Mainz out-shot Paderborn 21-17 but managed only four shots on target to Paderborn's none
- Paderborn goalkeeper Nahuel Noll voted man of the match
| Stat | Mainz | Paderborn |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 51% | 49% |
| Total shots | 21 | 17 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 0 |
| Fouls | 8 | 10 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.84 | 0.43 |
Possession barely separated the teams. The gap was in the final third, where Mainz worked the ball into shooting positions again and again without hitting the target enough to trouble Noll.
What's next
The Bundesliga table stays unsettled until matchday 1 finishes, but a point apiece leaves both sides in mid-table on the opening weekend — Mainz will feel they dropped two at home, Paderborn that they earned one on the road. Matchday 2 is next weekend, and Paderborn will take the clean sheet and Noll's form into it.
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