TSG still yet to concede – Victory over Alkmaar

TSG got off to a good start against Marco van Basten's side and created a fantastic chance to take the lead in the third minute. Sebastian Rudy struck a left-footed volley at the back post after meeting a cross from the right flank and tested Alkmaar keeper Esteban Brown from close-range. The Dutch keeper came out on top though.

TSG started to take more and more control of the match after Rudy's chance. That was until the 25th minute, when the referee rather controversially dismissed Roberto Firmino after a challenge on Gudelj.

TSG continued to play well despite having the numerically disadvantage. Kevin Volland, with a left-footed strike from distance, and Sven Schipplock, with two efforts in quick succession, had chances to give TSG the lead before the break.

Rudy gives TSG the lead

TSG manager Markus Gisdol introduced two pairs of fresh legs at the interval. Adam Szalai replaced Sven Schipplock and David Abraham came on in place of Jin-Su Kim. Alkmaar enjoyed the majority of possession due to the extra man against TSG, who were sitting deep, but didn't pose any danger to the Hoffenheim goal.

But it was ‘Hoffe' who took the lead in the 57th minute. Sebastian Rudy's free kick from 23 metres was deflected and Brown was unable to stop the ball as it entered the AZ net.

Modeste prolific as ever

Shortly after the opening goal, Markus Gisdol brought on Sejad Salihovic, Kai Herdling, Anthony Modeste, Jeremy Toljan, Jiloan Hamad and Jesse Weippert. And it took just ten minutes for substitute Modeste to double TSG's advantage. The Frenchman kept his composure to cap off a fine TSG counter involving Sejad Salihovic and Adam Szalai when on-one-one to increase Hoffenheim's lead to 2-0.

‘Hoffe' then sat back with their ten men. Alkmaar were only able to create one shooting opportunity up to the final whistle despite having the numerical advantage. TSG were always finding holes in the Dutch side's defence and were rewarded for their efforts again with two minutes left on the clock. After a foul on Jesse Weippert, Sejad Salihovic stepped up to take the resulting free kick from 23 metres, just to the right of the ‘D'. Over the wall. Unstoppable. 3-0.

Gisdol's men took another step in the right direction in regards to balance and stability against a top side. Manager Gisdol was keen to play down the euphoria surrounding the latest win: “We'll only see in the Bundesliga how valuable pre-season is.”