In a game of few genuine goalscoring opportunities, Nurnberg had to rely on goalkeeper Daniel Klewer to earn a point as the 31-year-old pulled off several crucial saves.

The draw leaves the visitors a point from safety, having played a game more than their relegation rivals.

The visitors went into the clash desperate for all three points and a tense opening was littered with mistakes from both sides.

Dortmund went closest to opening the scoring after 25 minutes when Alexander Frei broke through on goal, but his early shot was parried away by Klewer.

Nurnberg's best effort of the half came seven minutes before the break when Jan Koller volleyed over after he had had a header blocked by Antonio Rukavina.

The second period began in a similar fashion before exploding into life in the 50th minute as both sides had chances to break the deadlock in a 10-minute period.

Klewer made two more fine saves early in the second half to deny Frei and Mladen Petric, while at the other end Marek Mintal rattled the left hand upright with a fierce left-footed drive.

That was as close as either side came to a winner though as Nurnberg had to be content with leaving Singal Iduna Park with a point which could yet prove crucial in their fight against the drop.