Hoffenheim welcomed high-flying SC Paderborn 07 to the Rhein-Neckar Arena this afternoon in a game which provided plenty of chances, but no real attacking threat with just a single goal deciding the outcome.

A goal from Kevin Volland in the closing stages of the game proved to be enough for the hosts as Paderborn showed they are no pushovers in what is their debut season in the Bundesliga.

Hoffenheim faced Paderborn on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Hamburg in Matchday 8 of the Bundesliga whilst the visitors continue their fine start to the season with a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, having gone a goal down.

Markus Gisdol named the same starting XI that earned them a draw in Hamburg whilst Paderborn coach, André Breitenreiter also named the same starting XI.

Lukas Rupp forced Oliver Baumann in to a save after just one minute had been played – his effort from 25-yards swerved in the air, forcing the Hoffenheim goalkeeper in to tipping the ball over the bar.

Volland earned the home side a penalty after five minutes after been brought down under the tackle of Daniel Brückner. Up stepped Sebastian Rudy who fired low and hard to the goalkeepers right, only for Lukas Kruse to claw out the strike at full stretch.

Hoffenheim had the better chances in the first half as Roberto Firmino failed to take his opportunity inside the penalty area. The Brazilian has been recently called up the national setup following his inspiring performances this season.

Moritz Stoppelkamp looked to continue his goal-scoring run but his shot from distance didn’t trouble Baumann between the sticks for the home side.

Volland looked as lively as ever as his long-range effort forced Kruse in to making a save but the German gathered the ball with ease before a series of long-shots from Süleyman Koc, Eugen Polanski and Volland all sailed wide of the target.

Firmino saw his effort travel just wide of Kruse’s post which would have put the home side a goal up two minutes before half-time.

Paderborn started the more promising in the second-half with Elias Kachunga looking lively for the first time in the game. The 22-year old had a penalty appeal waved away by Robert Hartmann before holding off Andreas Beck, pulling the ball back across goal only for Hoffenheim defender Niklas Süle to clear his lines.

Stoppelkamp had the chance to put the visitors ahead when he saw his effort his the post after he had been played through by on loan player – Marvin Ducksch.

Volland broke the deadlock for Hoffenheim with less than 20 minutes left to play after a defensive error from Christian Strohdiek. A poor clearance from the defender found Andreas Beck who cross the ball in to the path of Volland - whose left-footed strike left Kruse with no chance.

Hoffenheim had the chance to double their lead when Sven Schipplock's effort was cleared off the line - however, only as far to Firmino, whose shot is saved acrobatically by Kruse.

The home side kept their unbeaten run in-tact, having now gone nine games without a loss this season whilst Paderborn new-boys drop to eight.

Next up for Hoffenheim is an away trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach whilst Paderborn play hosts to Hertha Berlin.