TSG lose in Leipzig

TSG Hoffenheim were left frustrated in Leipzig after they lost their away fixture there 3-1 despite having chances to get something from the game. Hoffenheim spurned several opportunities on goal at the end of the first half in particular. Timo Werner, by contrast, was on target twice and Marcel Sabitzer also got his name on the scoresheet to secure the win for Leipzig. A goal from Ermin Bičakčić in the 89’ minute was too little too late for TSG.

Personnel & tactics:

TSG’s manager, Alfred Schreuder, made three changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Fortuna Dusseldorf. Kevin Akpoguma replaced the injured Kevin Vogt and joined Stefan Posch, Ermin Bičakčić and Robert Skov in a back four marshalled by Oliver Baumann in goal, with the number one wearing the captain’s armband. Sebastian Rudy was absent from midfield owing to an accumulation of yellow cards. Diadie Samassékou came in his stead to make his first ever Bundesliga appearance from the start on. Dennis Geiger was also put into the starting eleven, and the midfield was completed by Florian Grillitsch. Pavel Kadeřábek and Sargis Adamyan started on the wings while Andrej Kramarić formed the attack.

Ihlas Bebou was sent on for Posch in the 58’ minute, at which point Kadeřábek dropped back one position. Christoph Baumgartner came on for Geiger in a like-for-like substitution in the 84’ minute.

Moment of the match:

Dennis Geiger had a gilt-edged change to equalise for TSG during their strongest phase of the game in the 39’ minute. While his shot from around 13 feet out had the beating of Gulasci, it was to come off the post.

Number of the game: 3

After three consecutive victories on the road, TSG missed the opportunity to get a fourth and, as a result, to set a new club record.

Line-ups:

RB Leipzig: Gulasci – Klostermann, Ilsanker, Upamencano, Halstenberg – Laimer, Demme – Sabitzer, Forsberg (Nkunku, 66) – Schick (Poulsen, 61), Werner (Wolf, 85)

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Posch (Bebou, 58), Akpoguma, Bičakčić, Skov – Kadeřábek, Geiger (Baumgartner, 84), Grillitsch, Samassékou, Adamyan – Kramarić

Goals: 1-0 Werner (11), 2-0 Werner (52), 3-0 Sabitzer (83), 3-1 Bičakčić (89)

Match highlights

1. Min.

Leipzig pose an immediate threat. Sabitze sends in a cross at the back post and Forsberg gets on the end of it to shoot. Posch throws himself in front of the ball to prevent the hosts from taking an early lead.

11. Min.

Too easy: Leipzig get the better of TSG on the counter. Werner and Schick combine to leave Werner alone in front of Baumann. He makes no mistake to give his side the lead.

21. Min.

Almost 2-0: First Baumann saves strongly to deny a headed effort from Upamencano and then gets himself into the right place immediately after to keep out Forsberg's shot on the rebound.

35. Min.

Grillitsch plays a quality ball over the top into the path of Kadeřábek who then wants to square the ball for Kramaraic, but Ilsanker clears at the last second. The ensuing corner also makes for danger with Bičakčić heading just wide.

38. Min.

Next good chance: Skov plays a lovely pass to Geiger who immediately gets a shot off. His effort is deflected and hits the side netting. Gulasci was beaten.

39. Min.

After an error from Gulasci, Kaderabek heads the ball on perfectly for Geiger who finds himself one-on-one with the keeper. His shot, however, hits the post.

52. Min.

Posch pulls lightly on Werner's shoulder and Referee Deniz Aytekin awards the penalty. Werner makes no mistake and converts by sending the ball straight down the middle at waist height.

61. Min.

Forsberg goes on a brilliant solo run before trying to curl it in at the far post, but his effort is just wide. Baumann was beaten.

76. Min.

A fantastic chance to get a goal back presents itself from nowhere: Skov makes his way down the left-hand side superbly before playing in Adamyan. He simply has to score for 2-1, but skies his attempt.

83. Min.

TSG get turned over on the break: Baumann initially manages to deny Nkunku but is subsequently powerless against Sabitzer's shot on the rebound for 3-0.