TSG Hoffenheim – Greuther Fürth 0-0: Next setback for 1899 in the fight for Europe

The relegation of SpVgg Greuther Fürth from the Bundesliga is as good as sealed. The bottom team got a 0-0 draw at TSG Hoffenheim on matchday 30, but going into the 2nd division can hardly be avoided. The promoted team has eleven points and is more than 30 goals behind the relegation place.

Majority owner Dietmar Hopp waved his hand in disappointment, coach Sebastian Hoeneß cursed to himself: The European Cup hopes of TSG Hoffenheim suffered a severe setback with the 0-0 against bottom SpVgg Greuther Fürth, the Kraichgau fell back to eighth place.

“It was the tough game we expected. We’re in a phase where we’re struggling. You’re disappointed after a game like that, that’s for sure,” said midfielder Christoph Baumgartner DAZN. After three defeats, the chances of the desired place in the European Cup are dwindling.

The Fürthers, on the other hand, were celebrated by their traveling fans, but relegation from the Bundesliga is as good as sealed. The promoted team has eleven points and is more than 30 goals behind the relegation place. “We’ve had a very difficult season. But the second half of the season is respectable,” said manager Rachid Azzouzi.

The only 16,110 spectators saw a game without any real highlights in the early stages. TSG striker Munas Dabbur only caused a hint of danger (3′). Fürth’s attacker Havard Nielsen had to leave the field injured in the eleventh minute, and Dickson Abiama came on for him.

Hoffenheim without inspiration against Fürth

The hosts in particular, who were missing captain Benjamin Hübner, Ermin Bicakcic, Dennis Geiger, Florian Grillitsch and Marco John, were disappointing in the first 20 minutes. The Hoeneß team acted unimaginative and lethargic.

The Fürth, who had to do without Jeremy Dudziak, Robin Kehr, Marco Meyerhöfer, Afimico Pululu and Paul Seguin, kept the game open. Hoffenheim couldn’t manage more than a deflected long-range shot by star striker Andrej Kramaric (24′).

Even after that it remained a tired kick. Hoffenheim’s performance was not that of a European Cup contender. The Kraichgauer lacked in all areas. Strangely emotionless, the hosts showed a very weak performance.

Hoffenheim fans whistle the team at the break

After all, the national player David Raum, who revealed defensive weaknesses, tried in vain to drive on the left side. At the end of the first half, Hoffenheim were bid farewell to the dressing room with whistles from their own fans.

Right at the beginning of the second period, Hoffenheim defender Stefan Posch had to go out. The Austrian suffered a laceration after a collision with his teammate Diadie Samassekou. Havard Nordtveit replaced Posch.

Little changed in the game compared to the first half. Little or nothing worked at TSG. Ihlas Bebou managed at least one degree (57th). But more was not possible even after an hour. On the other side, Julian Green almost punished Hoffenheim’s weakness (62′).

TSG Hoffenheim – SpVgg Greuther Furth: The data of the game

Hoffenheim: Baumann – Posch (50th Nordtveit), Vogt, Richards (46th Akpoguma) – Samassekou – Kaderabek (71st Bruun Larsen), Raum (87th Skov) – Baumgartner, Kramaric – Bebou, Dabbur (71st Rutter).

Fuerth: Linde – Griesbeck, Bauer (46th Willems), Viergever – Leweling, Raschl, Timothy Tillman, Itter – Green – Hrgota, Nielsen (11th Abiama, 76th Ngankam).

Yellow cards: Kaderabek (5), Baumgartner (5), Vogt (6) – Green (2), Bauer (5), Griesbeck (6), Leitl (Coach)

TSG Hoffenheim – SpVgg Greuther Fürth: The voices

Sebastian Hoeneß (Hoffenheim coach): “That’s not enough. We’re very disappointed with the result. We lack a bit of conviction. In a game like this you have to force a goal.”

Stefan Leitl (Coach Fuerth): “I’m not entirely dissatisfied. All in all, it was a good defensive performance from my team. We played on an equal footing. We don’t take the point undeservedly.”