2-1 win for TSG in friendly against Darmstadt

Manager Markus Babbel had to make adjustments to his side in a number of positions and used the opportunity to give some youth players some game time. Tim Wiese recovered from his adductor injury to start in goal and the back four was made up of Beck, Chris, Delpierre and Schröck. In midfield there were starts for Grifo, Streker, Firmino and Usami, while Schipplock and Joselu were the two strikers.

The match started evenly as the hosts tried to control the play. Schipplock pre-empted a misjudgement from his opponent but the Darmstadt goalkeeper was on hand to block the Hoffenheim player's effort. In the 28th minute though, he was left with no chance as Grifo's cross found the perfectly placed Joselu who slotted home to opening the scoring.

Darmstadt weren't deterred though and carried on their good play. Three minutes before half time, the Lilies were rewarded after a free kick from the left flank was headed in by Albayrak.

The same TSG side came out for the second period. Wiese was forced into saves from two good chances for the hosts in the first ten minutes of the half as SV picked up where they left off, but Usami responded for Hoffenheim just four minutes later. His shot from the left-hand side was just pushed behind in time by the Darmstadt keeper. In the 65th minute though, he was unable to keep out the Japanese player's powerful shot, as the Bundesliga side took a 2-1 lead.

In the time that was left, both teams worked themselves another chance, but failed to give either goalkeeper any serious problems. Things continue in the Bundesliga next Friday when Greuther Fürth travel to the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim:

Wiese – Beck (75' Hirsch), Chris, Compper (65' Jaissle), Schröck (75' Schorr) – Grifo, Streker, Firmino, Usami – Schipplock (75' Thermann), Joselu