FIRST TEAM
09/23/2014

Late equaliser
maintains unbeaten
record!

Markus Gisdol's team had an extremely close shave in the Baden Derby against SC Freiburg, which ended in a 3-3 draw. In an intense and aggressive match that saw six goals split equally between both teams, it was Vestergaard's equaliser in the penultimate minute of added time that maintained TSG's unbeaten record this season.

Tactics and line-up:

Markus Gisdol made three changes to his team that beat VfB Stuttgart 2-0 on Saturday. Steven Zuber, Pirmin Schwegler and Anthony Modeste moved to the bench, with Adam Szalai, Jannik Vestergaard and Kevin Volland back in the team.

Hoffenheim didn't really have a set formation throughout the 90 minutes. 3-4-3, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1...It took on so many different shapes, really emphasising Markus Gisdol's talk of versatility within the squad ahead of the match. TSG were committed throughout, regardless of the system, looked to get stuck into the tackles and countered quickly.

Highlights:

5th minute: Early chance for Hoffenheim. A cross from the right finds Volland in the centre, but his shot is aimed straight at Freiburg goalkeeper Bürki.

15th minute: Another great chance for Hoffenheim! A counterattack through Volland and Polanski finds Firmino in the centre, but the Brazilian only narrowly misses the goal.

18th minute: First opportunity for Freiburg. SCF youngster Philipp takes advantage of Vestergaard losing the ball in midfield, but his shot flies over Baumann's crossbar.

31st minute: GOAL for Freiburg. 1-0: Frantz receives the ball on the penalty spot and Oliver Baumann can't get enough on it to keep it out.

33rd minute: GOAL for Freiburg: 2-0: Frantz is there again, this time turning in a cross at the near post. The visitors have a two-goal cushion which doesn't reflect the flow of the game.


39th minute: TSG's look to get back into the match from a corner, Vestergaard's header on finds Firmino at the back post, but luck isn't on his side and the Brazilian misses the target.

44th minute: GOOAALLL for Hoffenheim! 2-1: A pass from Volland picks out Elyounoussi in the centre, who runs through the defence before stylishly nutmegging the keeper to get the hosts back into the game.

55th minute: Vestergaard's free kick is heading on target, but was SCF goalkeeper Bürki flicks it behind. Beck wanted a penalty after going down in the 18-yard box, but his appeals are waved away by the referee.

57th minute: Hoffenheim are looking more and more dangerous in attack. Rudy's corner finds Polanski in the centre and his volley goes just over Freiburg's crossbar.

63rd minute: GOOOAAALL for Hoffenheim! 2-2: Rudy equalises for TSG with a wonderful free kick from just outside the box. His shot loops over the wall and into the far left corner of the goal, with Bürki unable to get across in time.

75th minute: GOAL for Freiburg. 3-2: Freiburg are awarded a penalty after a foul by Strobl. Darida sends Baumann the wrong way to put SCF back in front with their first shot in 40 minutes.

80th minute: Penalty scorer Vladimir Darida is shown a straight red after dangerous challenge on Schwegler by kicking him in the head.

84th minute: What an opportunity to equalise again! Rudy's free kick finds its way to Strobl, but the defender's header isn't on target.

93rd minute: GOOAAALLL for Hoffenheim! 3-3: Vestergaard grabs a late, late equaliser for TSG! Bürki and the Freiburg defence throw everything in the way, but at the third time of asking, Vestergaard prods the ball home to ensure a deserved point for Gisdol's men.

Moment of the match:

Hoffenheim's first goal of the match through Elyounoussi made it clear that we have “Tarik 2.0” on our hands this season. The Norwegian is composed, aware of his strengths and full of confidence. The way he shook off three defenders, found the route to goal and then and stayed cool to finish the job: A+.

Number of the game: 100%

It's a figure that rarely appears and we had to check it twice, but Niklas Süle really didn't lose any of his challenges tonight. A 100% record for the young centre back. Outstanding.

Match facts and statistics »

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