1-0 defeat to Hannover – no reward for efforts

As the game started, so did the snow in the Lower Saxony capital. Both sides needed some time to get to grips with the game in what proved to be a muted opening period. However, as early as the eighth minute, Hoffenheim found themselves behind. After a cross from Szabolcs Huszti, Mame Diouf headed towards the TSG goal and David Abraham's efforts on the line came too late to stop the ball going in.

TSG got their teeth into the game and started to apply their own pressure. Roberto Firmino picked up his fifth booking of the season, which means he will be suspended for the home game against Stuttgart. Hoffenheim were in control and just before the half-hour mark Kevin Volland had a great chance to equalise after a good pass from Igor de Camargo. Unfortunately, Johan Djourou inadvertently blocked the ball. Hoffenheim continued to press, had more possession and did a lot of running but couldn't find the back of the net and went into the break one goal behind.

Battling second-half performance

The two sides emerged from the dressing room without changes. The second half was a similar story; TSG were committed and fought hard, but just couldn't convert that into a goal. Marco Kurz made his first change in the 62nd minute, bringing on Joselu for Takashi Usami. Hannover continued to counterattack, but Heurelho Gomes ensured that the difference between the two sides remained just the one goal. Hoffenheim on the other hand, continued to apply pressure but kept finding 96-keeper Ron-Robert Zieler in their way.

With Hannover 96 starting to get the initiative in the game, Kurz made a double change with just over ten minutes to play: Daniel Williams and Vincenzo Grifo replaced Tobias Weis and Eugen Polanski. TSG changed their tactics and switched to a more offensive style. Hoffenheim still looked full of desire and fighting spirit right until the end, but just couldn't find a way through the Hannover defence. Despite a good performance and a huge effort, the match finally ended with a 1-0 defeat.

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