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TSG share spoils with B04
PERSONNEL AND LINE-UP:
Huub Stevens’ first starting XI of 2016 was as follows: Oliver Baumann stood in goal behind a back four of Pavel Kaderabek, Fabian Schär, Niklas Süle and Jin-Su Kim. Tobias Strobl and captain Sebastian Rudy sat just in front in holding midfield roles, Jonathan Schmid, Jiloan Hamad and Kevin Volland bolstered the attack behind Chile international Eduardo Vargas.
Although the team attacked in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the team retreated into a 4-4-2 when defending – Volland and Schmid tucking into midfield to support the two midfielders and Hamad pushing up alongside Hamad.
Mark Uth came on for Volland in the second half, as did Nadiem Amiri for Hamad and new signing Andrej Kramaric for Vargas.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
It’s the 70th minute. Leverkusen come bombing down the left. Who crops up out of nowhere at right back? Kevin Volland. Germany international. Number 31. Attacker. It was just one of the many examples of the commitment shown by every Hoffenheim player. A true demonstration of their determination to fight for survival in 2016.
NUMBER OF THE MATCH: 447
After 447 days, Jiloan Hamad returned to the TSG line-up for a Bundesliga game. His last appearance came on 2nd November 2014 against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Then followed a loan move to Liege, ligament injury and rehab. What better way to mark your return than when a dream goal to put Hoffenheim into the lead.
Match facts and statistics »
