TSG hold out for a draw

Markus Babbel made only one change to the side that beat Schalke 04 3-2 last weekend, bringing in youngster Pelle Jensen to replace the injured Jannik Vestergaard.

The intimidating atmosphere of the ESPRIT Arena unsettled the visitors and inside the opening five minutes Babbel's men found themselves a goal down. For the eleventh time so far this season, Hoffenheim conceded from a set-piece situation as Düsseldorf took advantage from a deep free-kick on the right-hand side. Garbuschewski floated a ball into the area and Robbie Kruse beat an indecisive Tim Wiese to the ball, heading Düsseldorf into an early lead.

Hoffenheim were struggling to make an impact in attack but as the game wore on, Babbel's side started to look more and more stable in defence. Despite this, the away side weren't having enough possession and Düsseldorf were trying their best to add to their lead. Garbuschewski fired in a long-range free kick just over the bar as Fortuna continued to pose more of a threat on goal. Then, with their first real chance, Hoffenheim were level. A cross from the right-hand side from Andreas Beck found Joselu at the back post. The Spaniard's header hit the back of Düsseldorf defender Tobias Level's head, before flying past Fabian Giefer to level the scores. The goal seemed to spark life into Hoffenheim but the half-time whistle came before they could threaten again.

Difficult re-start

Düsseldorf made the most of the break and started as positively as they did at the beginning of the game with Garbuschewski forcing a good save from Wiese from yet another free kick. Things then got worse for Hoffenheim as central defender Marvin Compper picked up two quick yellow cards, reducing the away side to ten men. As much as Düsseldorf sought to make the most of their one-man advantage, it was Hoffenheim who threatened to take the lead. The substitute Streker found Joselu who turned two Düsseldorf defenders before firing a low effort onto the foot of Giefer's near post. It was a great chance for Hoffenheim but having seen their guests fail to take advantage of their opportunities, Düsseldorf came forward again. Unfortunately for the hosts, they just couldn't find the final pass and when they did, Tim Wiese was there.

Markus Babbel brought Vincenzo Grifo into the game in an attempt to steal the three points and the winger almost made an instant impact with a great ball into the area, but Fabian Johnson failed to get a touch. Both sides were wary of losing the game in the latter stages, particularly Düsseldorf and despite having a man more, they couldn't take advantage as Hoffenheim held on to secure a point.

Jonathan Harding

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Wiese – Beck, Jensen, Compper, Johnson – Rudy, Williams – Usami (53' Streker), Volland, Roberto Firmino (77' Grifo) – Joselu (90+1 Derdiyok)

Fortuna Düsseldorf: Giefer – Levels, Langeneke, Juanan, J. van den Bergh – Bodzek, O. Fink (66' Lambertz) – Bellinghausen, Kruse, Garbuschewski (66' Reisinger) – Ilsö (86' Voronin)

Goals: 1-0 Kruse (4'), 1-1 Joselu (39')

Yellow cards: Levels – Firmino, Compper

Red cards: Compper

Attendance: 41, 200

Referee: Robert Hartmann

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