The centre-backs of Paderborn were heroes for unusual reasons today, as goals from Hauke Wahl and Niklas Hoheneder sealed three points.
Karlsruhe were enjoying a topsy-turvy start to the campaign and more changes followed suit, with Grischa Prömel, Mohamed Gouaida and Gaetan Krebs starting in place of Dominic Peitz, Jonas Meffert and Marvin Mehlem. Paderborn's season was slowly getting worse, but they maintained faith in the same side that fell to defeat against RB Leipzig. Only Marvin Bakalorz made his way into the line-up, replacing Sebastian Schonlau.
Strong start for both but Paderborn dominate
Opportunities were few and far between in the opening exchanges between the two sides, who obviously didn't want to give up an early goal. Nick Proschwitz had the best of any early chances, but he couldn't get over the ball, and headed Christian Bickel's cross over the bar. Hiroki Yamada issued an immediate response at the other end, only to see Lukas Kruse parry his low effort to safety.
As time went on the pair gradually became more willing to go forward, but it was a mistake from Yamada that almost created the opening goal. The Japanse midfielder spent too long on the ball and Süleyman Koc robbed it from him. The Paderborn winger went through on goal only to drag his shot narrowly wide of the post, much to his own disgust.
Proschwitz went close with a header soon after, though Dirk Orlishausen made a wonderful save to keep it out. The pair went close late on in the half again but couldn't find a way past either 'keeper, with the game level at the break.
Paderborn get their goal
It didn't take long in the second period for the deadlock to be broken, and much to the relief of the home faithful, Niklas Hoheneder was the man to grab it. A free-kick was given away on the touchline and the Austrian centre-half was able to show his team-mates how to finish, as he powered his header past the helpless Orlishausen into the back of the net.
Karlsruhe were showing very few signs that they could fight their way back into the match and looked toothless going forward. They did almost surprise the hosts when Hoffer turned and shot low at goal, forcing a fantastic reaction save from the ever-impressive Kruse.
There looked to be all the makings of a late, great comeback from the visitors but it never materialised. Hauke Wahl killed any hopes of a Karlsruhe revival in the final ten minutes when he rose highest to meet Koc's corner. This was an even more emphatic than Hoheneder's header, with Wahl's bulleting past Orlishausen before he could move a muscle and sealing the three points.