1. FC Nürnberg came away from Borussia Dortmund with a point - but in their battle to avoid the drop they were looking for all three.
The 0-0 draw at Borussia leaves Nürnberg still third from bottom on 27 points, with fellow strugglers Bielefeld and Cottbus still to play over the weekend.
For their part, Dortmund were unable to secure the win that would have more or less guaranteed their survival. They remain 13th on 35 points.
Koller hits bar
In the first-half above all, Nürnberg failed to capitalise on the home side's indifferent form. Their best chance fell to former BVB frontman Jan Koller, who saw a header come off the bar.
At the other end, Alexander Frei passed up a one-on-one situation with Nürnberg keeper Daniel Klewer, while his opposite number, Dortmund stand-in Marcel Höttecke, did well stop another Koller effort with a reflex save in the 38th minute.
Second-half chances
Borussia stepped up the pace after the interval, with Jakub Blaszczykowski and Florian Kringe going close - the latter having a header cleared off the line by Koller.
Shortly after Frei had failed with another excellent opportunity to break the deadlock, Marek Mintal hit the bar for FCN at the other end. Dortmund continued to have the better of the possession throughout the second half, while Nürnberg remained threatening on the break - but 0-0 it stayed.
BVB beaten by Hanover
Borussia without Kehl
All-square in Frankfurt
Contrasting fortunes
Excitement guaranteed on final stretch
Subotic joins BVB
Bieler joins FCN
Frei: “You learn from victories and defeats!”