Points shared in Freiburg

Coming off an impressive 4-0 victory over Hamburger SV midweek, Babbel made only one change and brought on Daniel Williams for the suspended Tobias Weis.

Freiburg, who had been flying high in the last weeks and were eager to make another significant step towards avoiding relegation, started with a bit more determination but couldn't really cause much trouble for Hoffenheim's defence. Striker Sebastian Freis headed wide after 24 minutes and midfield dynamo Cedric Makiadi had his shot blocked by TSG's Marvin Compper (35'), but those were only half-chances as the guests were very industrious and able to close down space around their own area very well.

Beck comes close

Build up play had been a problem for Hoffenheim until that point however, and their first notable effort only came six minutes before the break. It was an excellent chance though, with Sebastian Rudy teeing up nicely for Andreas Beck, but the captain put his shot wide from ten yards out (39').

The second half started with a moment of shock for Hoffenheim as Roberto Firmino suffered an injury and had to be taken to the hospital. Ryan Babel came and threatened on 69 minutes with a shot that was just a bit too high – it was one of very few highlights as both sides kept on neutralizing each other.

Still balanced affair

Freiburg stepped up the pace a little bit in the final stages though, Freis and Daniel Caliguiri showing up with promising opportunities, but first keeper Tom Starke made a great save (71') and just two minutes later the post came to the rescue for Babbel's team.

Hoffenheim almost had the last say with Williams turning up unmarked in Freiburg's box, yet after his shot hit the side netting no team was able to find a killer punch in the final minutes and it remained deadlocked.

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