Despite their best efforts, Arminia Bielefeld and SV Sandhausen couldn't be split on Sunday afternoon.
Bielefeld made just one change from the side that lost against Fortuna Düsseldorf, with Björn Jopek dropping out for David Ulm. Sandhausen, on the other hand, brought the formerly suspended Florian Hübner back into the side after he missed out against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. He took Daniel Schulz's spot, and there was also a start for Nico Hammann in place of the red-carded Philipp Klingmann.
A lack of chances
Chances were few an far between in the early stages, though the hosts did look more comfortable. The only real opportunity fell to Ulm, who was played through on goal by Fabian Klos. The Frenchman attempted to lodge the oncoming Marco Knaller, though his effort clipped the top of the bar.
Sandhausen came close themselves not long after, and Tim Kister was kicking himself for not taking advantage of a free header. Leart Paqarada whipped in a great ball to the six-yard box, and Kister somehow managed to head over the bar.
Klos tried his luck twice before the break, but he was denied by Knaller before volleying wide in the minutes that followed. Sandhausen and Jakub Kosecki did their utmost to force a way through late on. However, they were unable to do so and the sides went in level at the break.
Second half is no improvement
The second half saw no great surge in urgency from either side, though the visitors were looking slightly more dangerous. Paqarada had a swerving effort go inches wide from all of 30 yards, while Ranislav Jovanovic's powerful drive saw him denied by Wolfgang Hesl's first real save.
Despite attacking changes from both teams, neither were having any joy in breaking down their respective defence. The fans were, to say the least, fairly bemused with the lack of attacking intent. The game, unsurprisingly, finished level and marked a ninth draw in 12 games for the hosts. Sandhausen's impressive start also continued, despite their unusual lack of flair up from.