Hoffenheim reward themselves with point in Freiburg

Manager Markus Gisdol trusted the same eleven that beat HSV 3-0 last week, changing nothing tactically either. His team were set in 4-2-3-1 in attack, in 4-4-2 when defending. The opening quarter of an hour passed without incident in front of goal as both sides stood firm in defence.

If a team did attack, it was Hoffenheim. A shot from Herdling was blocked before Firmino fired wide. Hoffenheim goalkeeper Casteels was first called into action in the 22nd minute, but had no problems with a long-range effort.

Excitement levels slowly increase

Hoffenheim started to control more and more of the game and TSG fans had the word goal in their mouths when Polanski fired towards the target, but his shot brushed the outside of the woodwork. In the final ten minutes of the first half, the tempo of the game increased. Volland and Herdling couldn't convert their chances, while Freiburg couldn't find the final pass.

The second half started like the first ended, with the guests pressing hard. Herdling's turn and shot was good but just not good enough. After a small passage of play where both sides couldn't find the final ball, Casteels had to be alive to a long-range effort from Felix Klaus.

A goal down out of nothing

And yet, Freiburg took the lead. Mehmedi went through on the left-hand side, crossed in front of the on-rushing Casteels and Schmid was on hand to tap in from close range. Gisdol had to react and brought on Modeste and Schipplock, with Herdling and Rudy making way.

Then Vestergaard came on for the injured Abraham. Hoffenheim pressed and pressed. Volland's shot flew by the post and, ten minutes before the end, Salihovic whipped a free kick just over the bar.

Hoffenheim were to be rewarded for their efforts though. Modeste curled in a left-footed equaliser and nearly scored a winner with a lunging attempt, but the ball slipped by. And so the points were shared - a result that Hoffenheim can live with. Next weekend and the next derby beckons – VfB Stuttgart are guests in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

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