TSG Hoffenheim missed the leap to the top of the Bundesliga after an enthusiastic exchange of blows with Union Berlin.
Andrej Kramaric and Max Kruse shook hands in the rain, they nodded appreciatively – but after an enthusiastic exchange of blows, both brilliant passers were not completely happy. As in the previous year, Kramaric could have conquered the top of the table with TSG Hoffenheim on the 2nd matchday, while Kruse and Union Berlin had more in the spectacular 2-2 (1-2) in Sinsheim at times.
“I’m not happy with the point. It was a tough game,” said Kramaric at DAZN in the interview, quarreling, “in the end both have a point, but we wanted more. We didn’t find the space so well in the second half.”
Both Kramaric and Kruse had previously played sensational passes into the interfaces that led to goals. Kevin Akpoguma (14th), who classified the result as “fair”, and Jacob Bruun Larsen (30th) scored for the Hoffenheim team, who have not lost in nine league games.
TSG Hoffenheim – Union Berlin: The exchange of blows continues after a lightning start
The Berliners, who won the first leg of the play-offs for the Conference League at Kuopion PS 4-0 on Thursday, have been waiting for a win in the league for seven away games. The goals of Niko Gießelmann (10th) and Taiwo Awoniyi (47th) didn’t change anything – but, at least: “A well-deserved point”, praised coach Urs Fischer. Marvin Friedrich saw yellow-red in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
In front of 8014 spectators, the Berliners got off to a perfect start. With the kind help of the sleepy Hoffenheim defense, Gießelmann came free to the header and was able to dust off himself after the parade from TSG goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
The joy of the Köpenicker lasted only a short time. Akpoguma hit a head for the hosts a little later. Only three minutes after the equalizer, the Berliners had the scream on their lips again. But Kruse’s free kick landed on the crossbar (17th).
The offensive spectacle continued. Awoniyi forgave for the Berliners after Kruse’s preliminary work (20th), on the other side Bruun Larsen caused danger (23rd). After half an hour, the Dane met after a dream pass from Kramaric.
It was the fourth assist of the season for the Croatian runner-up. In the last minutes of the first half, Hoffenheim were close to the third goal – but Union also remained dangerous, led by Kruse.
The second round started as the first had left off – offensive was the trump card. After Kruse had passed fantastically this time, Awoniyi scored in the second attempt.
The game then took its first little break. In the 63rd minute it was the strong Kruse who had the Berlin lead on his feet – but failed to Baumann. On the other side, Sebastian Rudy did not execute (67th).
TSG Hoffenheim – Union Berlin: The voices of the coaches
Sebastian Hoeneß (TSG Hoffenheim): “The draw is okay. We didn’t come in too badly in the first half. We showed a great reaction after conceding the goal. The 2-2 draw took some of our confidence.”
Urs Fischer (Union Berlin): “I’m very satisfied with my team. They played a great game and deserved this point. Especially in the second half, I can’t say anything, we could even have won.”
TSG Hoffenheim – Union Berlin: The lineups
Hoffenheim: Baumann – Akpoguma, Posch, Vogt, Raum – Rudy (79th Samassekou), Stiller – Baumgartner (79th Gacinovic), Bruun Larsen (62nd Adamyan) – Dabbur (62nd Rutter), Kramaric. – Trainer: Hoeneß
Berlin: Luthe – Friedrich, Knoche, Jaeckel – Ryerson, Rani Khedira, Gießelmann (69th Trimmel) – Haraguchi (85th Teuchert), Ingvartsen (60th Öztunali) – Kruse, Awoniyi (69th Voglsammer). – Trainer: Fischer
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