9-0 friendly win against Walldorf

TSG-manager Markus Babbel sent players onto the field who, for different reasons, have not had much Bundesliga action, and filled out the rest of the squad with players from the U23s, plus youth player Niklas Süle in central defence. It took almost 15 minutes until Babbel's men started firing on all cylinders: “We scored six goals from the first six chances which is pretty decent”, said Babbel, despite the slow start.

Vincenzo Grifo opened the scoring with a lovely solo run, finishing in the top corner after 16 minutes. Just 60 seconds later, Sven Schipplock made no mistake for the second after finding himself one-on-one with Astoria keeper Thomas Hillenbrand. Grifo made it 3-0 with his volley from Filip Malbasić's cross, before Eren Derdiyok was withdrawn through injury. “We are not sure what the problem is”, said Babbel. The Walldorf penalty area was continuously kept busy with activity. Stephan Schröck hit the by-line before finding Schipplock who made it 4-0 shortly before the half hour mark. The number 9 then added another; after having been found by Grifo, he went on an unstoppable run from the halfway line before scoring the fifth. Michael Gregoritsch, who came on for Derdiyok, made it 6-0 with his header from a Patrick Ochs cross and that was the score at half time.

“You can't compare this friendly game with a Bundesliga game”, Babbel said, nipping the rave review of his side in the bud. “For us, the important thing was to give the lads a run out.” After the break, the excitement continued. Schipplock scored after Andreas Ludwigs' pass for the seventh, before Dennis Streker headed in Schröck's corner for number eight. Malbasić had the final word, giving Ludwigs his second assist of the night with a finish from close range. 9-0 the final score. TSG were forced into a change when Schipplock picked up a knock and, having no other alternative, Babbel brought on substitute goalkeeper Tim Paterok from the U23 side. The young goalkeeper was unfortunate to hit the post with an effort only seven minutes from time. “The boys have trained well and they showed that today”, said Babbel about a win he clearly doesn't want to make too much from.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Casteels – Ochs, Süle, Compper (46' Conrad), Schröck – Malbasić, Streker, Szarka, Grifo (46' Ludwig) – Schipplock (76' Paterok), Derdiyok (25' Gregoritsch)

Goals: 1-0 Grifo (16'), 2-0 Schipplock (17'), 3-0 Grifo (25'), 4-0 Schipplock (27'), 5-0 Schipplock (30'), 6-0 Gregoritsch (36'), 7-0 Schipplock (50'), 8-0 Streker (54'), 9-0 Malbasić (68')