Stalemate on Saturday evening

Head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli made two changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Hannover 96 before the winter break. Sejad Salihovic missed out due to disciplinary reasons, while Boris Vukcevic started from the bench having played twice for the German U-21 team during the week. This led to Andreas Ibertsberger getting a rare start as a defensive midfielder, Alaba moved onto the left flank, while Roberto Firmino started a match for the first time having taken Vukcevic's spot on the right. On the other hand Michael Oenning only made one change to his side with Ruud van Nistelrooy missing out due to suspension, Son started alongside Petric.

Under beautifully blue skies 1899 Hoffenheim got the contest underway as both teams looked to attack from the get go. Within five minutes Petric had shot wide, while Ibisevic headed over from Beck's cross. An in-direct free kick led to the first worrying moment for the home side with Westermann forcing the first save out of Tom Starke with a stopping header. Hoffenheim looked dangerous in transition and debutant Firmino tested Rost on the break with a deflected long-range effort, which the keeper was equal to. Just after the quarter hour mark and the excitement increased when Isaac Vorsah got on the end of a free-kick only for the referee to blow for a high foot, but it seemed to inject life into 1899's attack. Babel and Ibisevic combined well with the Dutchman flicking a superb pass between two Hamburg players to set up the Bosnian. Unfortunately he couldn't control his effort from 8 yards out, which flew harmlessly over the bar. Moments later and Babel's long-range effort was fierce but wide as Hoffenheim started taking the initiative in the match. HSV were making simple mistakes at the back, but despite chances for Ibisevic, Babel, Rudy and Braafheid the deadlock just would not be broken sending the teams in with the score line stuck at 0-0.

There were no changes at half time and unlike the first half the second began with a rather subdued atmosphere. Rudy was on hand to wake the crowd up with another strike from distance that only just went over the bar. With just under ten minutes played, Firmino made way for Vukcevic after an impressive performance, while Jarolim replaced Mathijsen for HSV. Hoffenheim were still fully in control of the match, but were becoming increasingly frustrated with the inability to score and the referee's decision as he denied Babel and Vukcevic seemingly clear free-kicks, in which Vukcevic managed to get injured as well. It meant Gylfi Sigurdsson came on in the final stages, while Babel made way for Peniel Mlapa. The last 15 minutes were probably the best of the match as Hamburg began to find their way into the match and attacked with intent whilst failing to truly test Starke in goal. 1899 continued to dominate the match without really demonstrating a cutting edge that could have unlocked the Hamburg back line. Rost also played his part in keeping his side in the game, while 1899 continued to be annoyed by the referee's inconsistent decision making. Therefore the game came to an end with no change to the score leaving Hoffenheim to wonder what would have been if they had been more clinical in front of goal. HSV take a point with them despite a weak performance, while 1899 will have to wait until the Baden derby against SC Freiburg to collect another three points.

 

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