Frustrating defeat in Porto

A committed performance is not rewarded: TSG Hoffenheim have lost their third Europa League game 2-0 (1-0) away to FC Porto. TSG showed a strong performance in the first half and were the better team, but Tiago Djalo's goal in the second minute of stoppage time turned the game. Hoffenheim pressed in vain in the second period and were hit on the counter-attack with 15 minutes to go. Samy decided the game with the goal to make it 2-0 (75).

The line-up

Head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo made two changes to the starting line-up compared to the 3-1 victory against VfL Bochum. Stanley Nsoki and Jacob Bruun Larsen started in place of Kevin Akpoguma and Marius Bülter.

The scenario

After two matchdays in the new Europa League format, TSG Hoffenheim had four points on the board, while FC Porto had one point.

Moment of the match

The goal for 1-0: TSG showed a strong performance in the first 45 minutes and were the better team. But a free-kick shortly before the break – after Stanley Nsoki had played the ball, only for a foul to be awarded – turned the game. Tiago Djalo scored to make it 1-0 to Porto on the stroke of half-time (45+2).

Number of the game: 18

After scoring at least one goal in 18 matches in a row, TSG failed to find the back of the net for the first time since their 3-0 defeat at the hands of VfB Stuttgart last season.

Outlook

The campaign will continue for TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday. Then coach Pellegrino Matarazzo's team will be away to 1. FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga.

Stats

Line-ups:

FC Porto: Diogo Costa – Fernandes, Djalo (Ze Pedro, 84), Perez, Moura – Varela, Gonzalez – Pepe (Borges, 90+2), Jaime (Vieira, 60), Galeno – Samu (Narmaso, 90+2)

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Chaves (Drexler, 79), Stach, Nsoki – Gendrey, Grillitsch (Tohumcu, 70), Bischof, Prass (Jurásek, 84) – Kramarić – Hložek (Berisha, 70), Bruun Larsen (Tabaković, 70)

Goals: 1-0 Djalo (45+2), 2-0 Samu (75)

Match highlights

12. Min.

Bruun Larsen narrowly wide

That was close: Bischof delivers a corner-kick into the middle, where Bruun Larsen wins the aerial battle and heads the ball only narrowly wide of the goal. Best chance of the match so far.

27. Min.

Nsoki blocked

A brilliant corner-kick routine creates the next opportunity: Bischof passes into the middle and the ball is allowed to run through for Nsoki, but it bounces badly and the shot is then blocked.

36. Min.

TSG get lucky

Porto sense the lead within their grasp. A ball takes a deflection through the Hoffenheim penalty area and then lands at the feet of Samu, but he is denied by Oliver Baumann's defence from close range in a centre-left position. Stach then intervenes.

44. Min.

Almost the opener

There's another chance to take the lead shortly before half-time: Kramarić plays superbly through to Hložek, who dances past two opponents but then fires over the goal under pressure in the box.

45 + 2. Min.

Half-time break

The undeserved setback on the stroke of half-time. After a free-kick, TSG fail to clear the ball directly. Djalo takes the shot and perfectly picks out the left corner.

75. Min.

2-0

TSG are hit on the counter. Stach wants to clear to Baumann but the ball is underhit. Samu gets in between and subsequently fires into the near corner. Baumann has no chance.