TSG 1899 Hoffenheim is treading water in the Europa League – and has to worry about progressing. In the home game against FCSB Bucharest on Thursday evening there was only a 0-0 draw. TSG now has six points after six out of eight games – and is in danger of missing out on a place in the play-off phase.
Despite field superiority and some good chances to score, the Kraichgauers were unable to score a goal. “With the possession of the ball and the pressure on Bucharest you can win the game,” said the disappointed TSG keeper Oliver Baumann on RTL. “It was possible today.”
In order to secure a place among the best 24 teams in the league phase and thus in the play-offs, Hoffenheim absolutely needs points in the two remaining games. The opponents are Tottenham Hotspur and RSC Anderlecht.
TSG Hoffenheim finds no gap
Coach Christian Ilzer demanded “joy, liveliness and good energy” from his team before the game. She initially took the coach at his word – after just two minutes, Jacob Bruun Larsen, who had started deep, was served but missed.
In front of 23,223 spectators, TSG, who dominated the game, then struggled to find a gap against closely packed Romanians. The bell almost rang on the other side, but Adrian Sut, who was completely free, lost his nerve from close range (36′). TSG was once again close to taking the lead in stoppage time in the first half, but Bruun Larsen headed a pinpoint cross from David Jurasek past the goal (45th+1).
In front of the eyes of numerous enthusiastic visiting fans, the home team continued to dominate the game after the break, Bucharest continued to do no more than necessary. The quality of the chances for TSG increased, Anton Stach fired the ball over the goal from eleven meters (66th) – but the Hoffenheim team, who were now on a power play, were unable to score a goal.