Poor performance results in clear defeat against Union

TSG Hoffenheim suffered a 4-0 (1-0) defeat in their home game against 1. FC Union Berlin. TSG performed poorly in the first half, during which Union opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Benedict Hollerbach (24). TSG played with more purpose after the interval but the men from Berlin were more efficient. After a major error in TSG's build-up play, Marin Ljubicic doubled Union's advantage (61). Andrej Ilic sealed the result a short while later (73), before Hollerbach's second goal completed the rout (87).

The line-up

Head coach Christian Ilzer made three changes to the starting line-up that suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Bayer Leverkusen: Leo Østigård, Andrej Kramarić and Max Moerstedt started in place of Robin Hranáč, Finn Becker and Erencan Yardimci.

The scenario

TSG went into Matchday 21 in 15th position with 18 points on the board. Opponents Union Berlin were three points ahead of Hoffenheim and therefore direct rivals.

Number of the game: 31

Since beating FC Schalke 04 2-0 in April 2023, TSG Hoffenheim have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 31 Bundesliga home games. As a result, TSG have equalled the division's negative record held by VfB Stuttgart – the Swabians also failed to shut their opponents out in 31 Bundesliga home games between 2021 and 2023.

Moment of the match

The goal for 2-0: TSG improved after the interval but Union scored the goal. Following a misplaced pass just outside the penalty area, Marin Ljubicic, who had only come on as a substitute moments beforehand, kept ice cool and doubled the lead on his Bundesliga debut for the capital club.

Outlook

TSG Hoffenheim will be away to SV Werder Bremen next week. Kick-off on Sunday will be at 15:30 CET.

Stats

Line-ups

TSG Hoffenheim: Philipp – Arthur Chaves, Akpoguma (Kadeřábek, 64), Østigård, Jurásek (Prass, 76) – Geiger (Touré, 72), Bischof – Hložek, Kramarić, Bülter (Yardimci, 64) – Moerstedt (Orban, 46)

1. FC Union Berlin: Rönnow – Juranovic (Trimmel, 76), Doekhi, Leite, Skov (Rothe, 88) – Haberer (Tousart, 46), Khedira – Skarke (Ljubicic, 59), Jeong, Hollerbach – Prtajin (Ilic, 46)

Goals: 0-1 Hollerbach (24), 0-2 Ljubicic (61), 0-3 Ilic (73), 0-4 Hollerbach (87)

Match highlights

24. Min.

Union take the lead

Skarke gets a shot away following a pass from Skov. Philipp is able to block it with his foot, but the ball bounces straight into the path of Hollerbach, who slots home from around 10 metres to put the visitors ahead.

27. Min.

Philipp stops it going to 2-0

Union almost double their lead immediately: Khedira passes the ball to Prtajin, who forces Philipp into a spectacular save. The TSG goalkeeper gets his hand up quickly enough – very strong reflexes.

44. Min.

Kramaric with a huge chance

That should have been 1-1! Hlozek counters for Hoffenheim following an Union corner. The Czech plays it perfectly into the path of Kramaric, but the Croat's lob is kept out by Rönnow, who stays on his feet.

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61. Min.

Union increase lead

The super sub strikes immediately after coming on: Akpoguma plays a square ball precisely to Jeong, who only needs to play it across to Ljubicic. Union's new signing keeps his cool and beats Philipp.

73. Min.

It could turn into a fiasco

Tousart goes past an opponent far too easily following a throw-in. He plays it into the middle towards Ilic, who only has to slot home.

87. Min.

Next goal conceded

That is far too easy and it's simply far too little from TSG. Ljubicic is played in, is allowed to turn in the penalty area and feeds the ball to Hollerbach, who takes stock and fires in off the inside of the post.

90. Min.