Gallai before #TSGARS: ''We're playing to win!''

Head coach Gabor Gallai on…

…the draw away to SC Sand.

''It was the tough game we were expecting. We got off to a good start and should have scored at least one goal after two big chances and one half-chance. If we'd taken the lead early on it would have been a different game. Sand were then able to capitalise on an individual error to go up 1-0, which tipped the scales in their favour. SC Sand's belief in getting something from the game grew, which made our job even more difficult than it already was.''

…the first half of the FLYERALARM women's Bundesliga season.

''We can be really happy with third place, especially given that we're just two points from the top of the table. We've managed to get through the first half-season really well despite the high load and the new experience of playing in the Champions League. We've given a good account of ourselves in the league and in Europe, the only competition we've not managed to make progress in is the cup.''

…the game against Arsenal.

''We absolutely want to win the last game of the group stage, that much will be clear from the very first kick of the ball. Our goal is to beat a big name and thus finish the Champions League campaign with a sense of achievement. We're not going into the game saying 'we want to score five goals at all costs'. We're playing to win and if the game goes our way - for example, with an early goal - then we have every right to believe that we can still pull off a huge shock and get into the quarter-finals. But it will be a game which comes down to the small things, so a win in itself would be more than satisfactory for us.''

…the personnel situation.

''We'll have to wait and see with Luana Bühler, who suffered a foot injury in training on Saturday. Apart from that, there were no other injuries to add to the list at the weekend.''

The first game against Arsenal:

On Matchday 2 of the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage, TSG lost 4-0 away to Arsenal. In the first half, head coach Gabor Gallai's side were unlucky to fall behind through a penalty in the 21st minute. The English league leaders then doubled their advantage shortly before the half-time whistle (45+2). The result was decided when the Gunners netted again in the 51st minute, but Hoffenheim continued to battle on valiantly. All that was lacking was offensive firepower and the requisite slice of luck. In the closing stages, Arsenal scored another goal to bring the final score to 4-0 (86). "The goals in the first half were really unfortunate, we actually started the game well. Nicole Billa had a big chance and Tine De Caigny fired a good shot on goal," said Gabor Gallai, adding: "If we'd taken the lead, the game would probably have turned out differently. In games like this you can see what we're still missing; it's an important process for us."

The opposition's form:

Arsenal WFC have established themselves at the top of the Barclays FA Women's Super League table. After nine matchdays, the team coached by Jonas Eidevall lead the league with a record of eight wins and one draw. In second place are Chelsea, who beat the Gunners 3-0 in the rescheduled FA Cup final at the start of December. Arsenal are on course to make it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, although TSG could theoretically leapfrog the North Londoners in Group C. Like Hoffenheim, Arsenal lost both matches against Barcelona (4-1, 4-0) and won twice against HB Køge (5-1, 3-0). A win on Wednesday would see Gabor Gallai's team draw level with the English club on points, meaning the final standings would be decided by the head-to-head scoreline. 

Match facts and statistics »