FIRST TEAM
11/28/2009

1899 fall 2-1 at home to Borussia Dortmund

After a weak first half by manager Rangnick's team, it was a much better performance in the second half. Dortmund were struggling after Ba's early equalizer and Hoffenheim pushed hard to get the lead. Dortmund then was awarded a penalty and converted it to put Hoffenheim behind once more. Maicosuel was then introduced into the game but shortly after that, the Brazilian was wrongly sent off with a straight red card. Consequently, Hoffenheim were no longer able to make use of the attacking potential with only ten men. In the end, it was a very unfortunate defeat.

 

Match report

In a heated game in the sold out Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Hoffenheim were unfortunate to be beaten 1-2 by Borussia Dortmund. Jakub Blaszczykowski gave the guests an early lead in the third minute finishing coolly in front of chanceless Timo Hildebrand. Following that, Hoffenheim were in control of the game but failed to create dangerous chances to score an equalizer. Consequently, Ralf Rangnick's men went into the changing room at half time one goal down despite dominating most of the game in front of their home supporters.

With Tobias Weis coming on for Christian Eichner as well as Isaac Vorsah on for Marvin Compper, the manager decided to bring two new players into the game. Only four minutes into the second half of the game, 1899 got the deserved equalizer: Carlos Eduardo took a great corner which directly landed Demba Ba's head and the Senegal international had no trouble to nod the ball over the line and reward himself and his colleagues for their efforts. This goal underlined Hoffenheim's ambition to turn the game around as soon as possible and hopes were high after this splendid start to the second half.

Until the 78th minute, Dortmund had trouble coping with Hoffenheim's pressure and was lucky to survive many chances without conceding. Then, however, the guests were awarded a penalty which Nuri Sahin coolly converted. Shortly after the goal, Maicousel was wrongly sent off the pitch just nine minutes after he came on for Chinedu Obasi. Being down to ten men, Hoffenheim were no longer able to create chances apart from two free kicks taken by Carlos Eduardo and Sejad Salihovic respectively. As neither hit the target, Hoffenheim suffers a very unfortunate defeat at home to Dortmund.

Quotes

Jürgen Klopp
Today, we were one of two teams delivering a good game of football. My team defended very well which you realise even more when such a strong side like Hoffenheim need a set-piece to score. My players were very passionate, they did not allow Hoffenheim much space and we adapted to the high tempo of the game. I am delighted and happy to have won. I did not see the controversial scenes and consequently cannot comment on that.

Ralf Rangnick
It was a game with two very different halves. In the first, Dortmund were better as they gave a very determined performance. We were a bit sloppy there. After the break, we were performed much better for half an hour. After Weis came on, there was more aggressiveness and we had chances to take the lead, especially Carlos Eduardo. The penalty was a dubious decision as was the red card which you do not have to give as a referee. Dortmund however did not win undeservedly as they had lots of possession. We knew Dortmund is a much different side than Köln.

Mats Hummels
It was a tumultuous match with lots of emotions and intensiveness. In the first half, we were really good and the second half was totally even.

Jan Schindelmeiser
Today, we only played good football for one half. Now, it is about coming to terms with this defeat. We need to be able to perform consistently well for at least 80 minutes and that is what we have to learn yet. You can argue about the penalty but that does not make any sense now. The referee is not to blame for this home defeat. After the game in Cologne, we knew we mustn't get carried away and that was not the reason either. Dortmund was a touchstone and we did not pass the test and could not cement our place in the top third.

Tobias Weis
It is annoying that we did not win the game today. In the first half, we allowed Dortmund too much space. The penalty surely was a controversial decision. Next week in Hamburg, we need to do better but the last games away from home were quite good.

 

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