FIRST TEAM

12/21/2024

TSG lose to Gladbach despite strong showing

Undeserved defeat in the final match of the year: TSG Hoffenheim lost 2-1 (1-0) away to Borussia Mönchengladbach. TSG had significantly more of the game in the first half but it was the visitors who took the lead through Philipp Sander (23). However, the Kraichgau club did not allow themselves to be knocked off their stride by the opening goal and deservedly restored parity through Andrej Kramarić from the penalty spot (58). They were not level for long though, with Alassane Plea re-establishing the away team's lead (61). TSG subsequently had numerous top chances to equalise but could not come back a second time.

The line-up

Head coach Christian Ilzer made two changes compared to the 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund. Jacob Bruun Larsen and Kevin Akpoguma started in place of Max Moerstedt (ankle injury) and Arthur Chaves (adductor problems).

The scenario

TSG Hoffenheim went into the matchday in 14th position in the table, while Borussia Mönchengladbach were 11th with seven points more on the board.

Moment of the match

Andrej Kramarić looked certain to equalise from the left corner of the six-yard box following a pass from Berisha in the 88th minute. But Nicolas saved his shot from extremely close range and stopped it becoming 2-2.

Number of the game: 3.1

TSG produced a strong performance, as illustrated by their "Expected goals" score of 3.1. But Gladbach scored two goals with a score of 0.6 – thus winning the match.

Minute's silence for Magdeburg

TSG Hoffenheim joined Borussia Mönchengladbach and the spectators at the PreZero Arena on Saturday in paying tribute to the victims of the attack on the Christmas Market in Magdeburg and their relatives with a minute's silence prior to kick-off. We wish the many people who sustained injuries a speedy and complete recovery.

Outlook

TSG Hoffenheim will now sign off for a short winter break before resuming their campaign on 11 January, when they welcome VfL Wolfsburg to the PreZero Arena. Kick-off is at 15:30 CET.

Stats

Line-ups:

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Gendrey, Akpoguma, Nsoki (Hranáč, 34), Prass (Jurásek, 81) – Stach, Samassékou (Tabaković, 70) – Kramarić, Bischof – Hložek (Geiger, 81), Bruun Larsen (Berisha, 81)

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Nicolas – Scally (Lainer, 80), Itakura, Elvedi, Ullrich (Netz, 86) – Sander, Weigl – Honorat (Stöger, 86), Plea (Friedrich, 80), Hack (Reitz, 70) – Kleindienst

Goals: 0-1 Sander (23), 1-1 Kramarić (pen., 58), 1-2 Plea (61)

Match highlights

1. Min.

Hack with a big chance

Gladbach have the first big opportunity after 58 seconds: Plea plays it into the path of Hack, who cuts into the box from a centre-right position. Baumann turns his shot around the post.

23. Min.

Gladbach take the lead

Itakura gets his head to the ball after a corner and the attempted clearance in the middle lands at the feet of Sander. Baumann does manage to turn the ball onto the post but it rebounds off it and into the net.

26. Min.

Baumann intervenes

Gladbach counter following a Hoffenheim corner and pose a major threat. Plea feeds Hack, who runs through on Baumann. But the TSG goalkeeper puts his body on the line and slides in to get to the ball before the former TSG academy player.

39. Min.

Nicolas thwarts potential leveller

Huge opportunity for an equaliser! Bischof shoots from around 20 metres but Gladbach shot-stopper Nicolas dives at full stretch and manages to save the very good shot.

58. Min.

Kramaric keeps cool from the spot

TSG score the equaliser – and it's highly deserved! Prass is caught by a high foot as he runs into the box and the TSGoat steps up to the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way and slotting into the bottom left corner.

61. Min.

Behind again

A long ball from the halfway line beats the entire defence. Plea runs into the penalty area, dances past Prass there and slots into the far corner.

77. Min.

Hlozek misses out on equaliser

Huge opportunity, that should've been a goal. Gendrey is played in with a high ball and crosses directly in front of goal. Hlozek is completely free but cannot steer the ball goalbound.

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88. Min.

Kramaric denied by Nicolas

It's a heads-in-hands moment! Berisha outstandingly plays in Kramaric but the Croat fails from very close range to beat Nicolas, who makes himself big and parries the ball.

90 + 4. Min.

Tabakovic with a huge chance

THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING! Tabakovic attempts to score from close range following a cross but Nicolas makes an unbelievable reflex save.

Match facts and statistics »

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