TSG Hoffenheim had previously confidently defeated undefeated Leipzigers seven games in a row. The furious Kraichgauer could have won even higher against harmless guests.
Jesse Marsch assembled his team a few seconds after the final whistle for the first error analysis on the pitch. While the Leipzig coach was urging his disappointed and disappointing players, his counterpart clapped hands in rows on the Hoffenheim coaching bench and couldn’t stop the grin. The relief was written on Sebastian Hoeneß’s face.
Thanks to a passionate performance, TSG Hoffenheim deservedly won 2-0 (1-0) against the unbeaten team from RB Leipzig, which had previously been unbeaten for seven Bundesliga games in a row, and remained unbeaten in their sixth attempt away from home. For their part, the Kraichgauer made the connection to the international ranks with the fifth win of the season.
“That was very close to 100 percent. The game was clearly about the fight and we played very hard defensively,” said Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma: “After conquering the ball, we made it through play very quickly. I’m very proud of the boys. “
Diadie Samassekou (12th) and Munas Dabbur (68th) scored the goals for TSG, which missed several promising opportunities for an even bigger win. For TSG it was the third win in the eleventh Bundesliga duel with Leipzig in front of just 13,233 spectators and the fourth home win this season.
Instead of the injured Dane Yussuf Poulsen (torn muscle fiber), the Portuguese Andre Silva was able to prove himself from the start for the first time in a month. “He was in the best shape of his career,” said RB coach Jesse Marsch before the game, with a view to Poulsen’s failure. His substitute remained harmless until he was substituted after around 70 minutes.
TSG Hoffenheim wins despite usury of opportunities
Hoeneß had changed his team to five positions – partly by force. As expected, the game came too early for Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric after his clash with an opponent in the World Cup qualifier against Russia. Dabbur played for him.
Georginio Rutter had the first chance for TSG from 18 meters, but his shot just missed the right post (3rd). Then Hoffenheim benefited from a mistake by the RB goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi sailed under a corner from Geiger, Samassekou headed in free. It was the first Bundesliga goal for the Malian.
Three minutes later, Rutter missed the double strike: he tunneled Lukas Klostermann from seven meters, but spiked the ball inches past the post. Leipzig seemed insecure and lacking in ideas. Among other things, Kevin Akpoguma gave promising opportunities to 2-0 with a tight low shot (24th) and Stefan Posch with a head (35th).
For a few seconds, TSG continued their usury of opportunities. Rutter freely forgave in front of Gulacsi, shortly afterwards the French headed past the gate. Leipzig continued to struggle, TSG defended solidly. Dabbur scored the long overdue 2-0 after a counterattack from 18 meters.
TSG Hoffenheim – RB Leipzig: votes
Sebastian Hoeneß (Trainer TSG Hoffenheim): “We put the things we wanted to do right from the start. We were aggressive and didn’t let Leipzig get into their game. The intense style of play helped us a lot. The only drawback was our chances. But we did don’t want to be too greedy and are happy about the victory against a top team in the Bundesliga.
Jesse Marsch (trainer RB Leipzig): “It was a deserved win for Hoffenheim. They played better in every phase of the game and showed more will. That is inexplicable to me. We weren’t ready for the game. We have to learn from this and perform better.”
