Frustrating defeat against Tottenham

A bitter defeat in the final home game of the UEFA Europa League league phase: TSG Hoffenheim lost 3-2 (2-0) to Tottenham Hotspur. TSG fell behind early on when James Maddison scored in the third minute and conceded a second goal almost 20 minutes later through Heung-Min Son (22). After the match went to 2-0, Hoffenheim pushed and got their reward when Anton Stach pulled a goal back (68). But Son re-established the two-goal cushion shortly afterwards (77). David Mokwa's goal to reduce the deficit again came too late.

The line-up

Head coach Christian Ilzer made four changes to the starting line-up compared to the 3-1 victory away to Holstein Kiel. Pavel Kadeřábek, Stanley Nsoki, David Jurásek and Finn Becker started in place of Valentin Gendrey, Arthur Chaves, Alexander Prass and Erencan Yardimci.

The scenario

TSG Hoffenheim went into Matchday 7 in 27th place with six points on the board. Tottenham were in ninth position with 11 points.

Number of the game: 4

Four players in the squad that faced Tottenham Hotspur were making their first appearance in a competitive matchday squad for TSG Hoffenheim. Luka Ðurić, Tim Philipp, Hennes Behrens and Luca Erlein made their squad debut.

Moment of the match

The goal for 3-1: TSG were the better team in the second half and came back into the game, but then a misplaced pass during build-up play put Heung-Min Song through. The captain stayed ice-cool and slotted left-footed into the right corner (77). The goal ultimately put the visitors on course for an away victory.

Siblings in the squad

A first for TSG Hoffenheim: Two brothers were in the squad for a competitive game at professional level for the first time. Luca and Tim Philipp were the replacement goalkeepers behind Oliver Baumann.

Outlook

TSG Hoffenheim's next home game is coming up on Sunday: Christian Ilzer's team will then play host to Eintracht Frankfurt at 15:30 CET.

Stats

Line-ups

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Kadeřábek, Akpoguma, Nsoki, Jurásek – Stach (Mokwa, 78), Becker – Hložek (Micheler, 80), Kramarić, Bischof (Arthur Chaves, 80) – Moerstedt

Tottenham Hotspur: Austin – Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Gray – Bergvall, Betancur – Kulusevski, Maddison (Olusesi, 89), Richarlison (Moore, 56) – Son (Lankshear, 79)

Goals: 0-1 Maddison (3), 0-2 Son (22), 1-2 Stach (68), 1-3 Son (77), 2-3 Mokwa (88)

Match highlights

3. Min.

Maddison with the early opener

Tottenham take an early lead. A long ball is played into the path of Maddison, who is not offside. The playmaker controls the ball perfectly and stays ice-cool in front of Baumann.

14. Min.

TSG get lucky

A big chance to make it 2-0: Pedro Porro gets the ball from Son and goes through on Baumann but fires wide to the right. More was possible there.

22. Min.

Son doubles lead

TSG are hit on the counter. Akpoguma and Nsoki cross wires on who should take the ball. The ball ultimately finds its way to Son, whose shot is blocked by Kadeřábek but then flies over Baumann and into the net.

26. Min.

Moerstedt fails to halve deficit

A corner-kick finds its way to Jurásek, whose shot takes a deflection. It puts Moerstedt clean through on goal but he fails to beat Austin. TSG's best chance so far.

33. Min.

Austin saves to deny Bischof

The second good opportunity for TSG: A cross from the right lands at the feet of Bischof, who targets the left corner with his right foot. Austin gets down quickly and parries forward. The goalkeeper then brings the loose ball under control himself.

40. Min.

Moerstedt lacks power

Moerstedt gets another shot away following a deflected ball and once again gets too little power behind it. His shot as he falls lacks pressure and placement, allowing goalkeeper Austin to make the save.

55. Min.

Woodwork misfortune

Now there's bad luck in the mix too. A lovely cross from the right falls to the unmarked Kramarić, who aims for the far corner with a header but is denied by the crossbar.