FIRST TEAM
08/15/2018

15 August: A historic date for TSG

A year ago today, TSG Hoffenheim took to the pitch against Liverpool. The first leg of the Champions League play-off was the first ever European match in Hoffenheim's history - and despite the 2-1 defeat a day to celebrate for TSG.

15 August is a special date for TSG Hoffenheim: A year ago today the club's first ever match in European competition took place - and it was none other than the legendary Liverpool FC who had the honour of taking to the pitch at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena. The first leg of the Champions League play-off provided a thrilling spectacle for the 25,568 fans present in the sold-out stadium and the many more sat at home in front of their TV screens.

Unfortunately after 90 minutes, the success we'd all hoped for against the overwhelming favourites failed to materialise. Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet helped his team along the way in the first half when he saved an Andrej Kramaric penalty. Shortly afterwards, Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool the lead in the 35th minute, a Havard Nordtveit own goal then putting Hoffenheim 2-0 behind. 

Uth scores TSG's first ever goal in Europe

Mark Uth then provided another first on this memorable evening: the striker scored in the 87th minute to bring the score to 2-1, causing frenzied scenes of celebration in Sinsheim as Hoffenheim got their first ever goal in European competition.

Even the Liverpool Echo acknowledged TSG's impressive performance: ''Liverpool ought to be pleased with the result after a frenetic encounter in Sinsheim in which luck was on their side throughout.''

TSG were ultimately eliminated after a 4-2 defeat at Anfield in the second leg, but for players, fans and all those involved, both games against Liverpool will live long in the memory.

Hoffenheim would go on to compete in the Europa League, while Jurgen Klopp's team would go on to make it all the way to the Champions League final.

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