Defeat against Fulham

TSG Hoffenheim have lost to Fulham by a 2-0 (1-0) scoreline in their final pre-season friendly fixture. Both teams struggled to settle into the match in front of 9,000 spectators and amid high temperatures. Emile Smith Rowe put the Premier League club into the lead following a shot from close range (32). TSG created several good chances for themselves in the second period, but it was again the visitors from London who were celebrating as Adama Traore rounded off the scoring following a counter-attack (64).

Line-up

TSG started with Oliver Baumann between the sticks, with Kevin Akpoguma, Florian Grillitsch and Anton Stach forming the back three. Pavel Kadeřábek and new signing Alexander Prass occupied the wide berths, while Grischa Prömel, Tom Bischof and Andrej Kramarić lined up in midfield. Marius Bülter started alongside Max Moerstedt in attack.

Moment of the match

The goal for 2-0. Fulham scored their second in TSG's best period of the game. Adama Traore made use of his pace, pulled away from his opponents on the counter and ensured the win for the visitors.

Number of the game: 2

For the first time, the big season opening event saw both the TSG women's and men's teams in action. The women kicked off proceedings against the reigning UEFA Women's Champions League champions Barcelona (5-1 defeat). That was followed by the men's match against English top-flight outfit Fulham.

Debuts of the day

Four players made their debut appearances at the PreZero Arena. In addition to new signing Alexander Prass, academy players Lars Strobl, Florian Micheler and Simon Kalambayi got their first taste of action at the stadium.

Outlook

The first competitive game of the season takes place next Friday. TSG Hoffenheim will pay a visit to Würzburger Kickers in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Kick-off is at 18:00 CEST. In two weeks from now, TSG will play host to promoted outfit Holstein Hiel on Matchday 1 of the Bundesliga campaign (25 August, 15:30 CEST).

Stats

Line-ups:

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Akpoguma, Grillitsch (Strobl, 68), Stach – Kadeřábek, Prömel, Bischof (Micheler, 46), Prass (Kalambayi, 68) – Kramarić (Damar, 81) – Bülter, Moerstedt

Fulham: Leno – Tete (Castagne, 81), Diop (Cuenca, 81), Bassey, Robinson (Godo, 89) – Lukic, Pereira (Esenga, 89), Smith Rowe (Cairney, 81)– Traore (King, 89), Muniz (Jimenez, 81), Iwobi

Goals: 0-1 Smith Rowe (32), 0-2 Traore (64)

Match highlights

33. Min.

Fulham take the lead

The visitors score the opening goal of the game. Emile Smith Rowe is played in and scores from close range by slotting through Baumann's leg from a tight angle.

52. Min.

Huge opportunity for Hoffe

Almost the equaliser! Prass plays a high ball towards Bülter, who heads it onto Kaderabek. His powerful strike towards the near corner is just about parried by Leno.

58. Min.

Baumann makes stunning stop

Adama Traore, who is known for his incredible speed, darts into the TSG box and tests Baumann. The TSG captain keeps the ball out with a strong reflex save.

59. Min.

Almost the leveller

TSG almost manage to restore parity there – it would have been an own goal. A cross from the left is steered dangerously towards his own goal by Robinson, but Leno shows good reflexes and saves.

64. Min.

Fulham extend lead

TSG are hit on the counter – and it's nicely played by Fulham: Iwobi feeds Traore, who cannot be caught. The wing forward keeps cool in front of Baumann and scores.

77. Min.

Stunning from Leno

That should have been a goal back. TSG link up down the right flank and Kalambayi then plays it on to Bülter. His shot takes a deflection, but Leno still gets a hand to the ball and manages to keep the shot out.