TSG hold on for
a point in Bremen

Tactics and line-up:

There was just one change to Markus Gisdol's team from last week, with a shoulder injury to Jin-Su Kim forcing him out of the matchday line-up. Tobias Strobl came in to take his place, but featured at right back, with captain Andreas Beck switching to the left-hand side, a position he took up towards the end of last season. Kevin Volland overcame his back problems to keep his place in the starting XI.

The system remained unchanged, with the team lining up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Sebastian Rudy and Eugen Polanski regularly dropped back next to centre backs Ermin Bicakcic and Niklas Süle to help build from the back. TSG quickly settled into the game and found a good balance, with a similar look about the match to the one against Augsburg last week. Things changed after half time though. Bremen were suddenly full of determination and looked dangerous from every attack. In the end, TSG can certainly live with the point.

Match highlights:

10th minute: First real chance of the game for either side. Volland's shot is blocked, but the ball lands at Adam Szalai's feet. His first-time effort slips just wide of the post though.

19th minute: GOOOAAALLL for Hoffenheim! 1-0: It's not your typical TSG goal but it's brilliant all the same. Sebastian Rudy plays a long, diagonal ball into the box looking to pick out Roberto Firmino's run. The Brazilian's first touch is wonderful, completely taking keeper Raphael Wolf out of the game, before he slots into the empty net.

40th minute: Great save by Oli Baumann! A first real moment of danger provided by Bremen. Hajrovic's ball in is flicked on by Galvez and the TSG keeper flings himself across goal to push the ball behind.

53rd minute: Rudy's corner floats towards the back post, where Niklas Süle is waiting. The centre put his header wide though. A really great chance to double the lead and add some security.

59th minute: GOAL for Bremen. 1-1: Werder slowly increasing pressure and it results in the equaliser. Elia's cross from the left flank is chested down in the box by Galvez, who makes the most of the space after Elynounoussi's slip, and fires a low shot into the bottom corner.

69th minute: WOODWORK! Bremen piling on the pressure and Hoffenheim starting to look shaky. A corner finds an unmarked Santiago Garcia, whose header hits the outside of the post from a matter of yards.

79th minute: TSG still struggling to deal with the hosts. Di Santo is played in and he lifts the ball past the on-rushing Baumann and towards substitute Nils Petersen at the far post, but Süle gets a decisive touch on the ball to put the striker off and his effort goes wide.

86th minute: Petersen with another chance for the home side. His shot from the edge of the box is deflected onto the post and Hoffenheim are in need of the full-time whistle.

Moment of the match:

It has to be Roberto Firmino's wonderful goal. Rudy's perfect ball, the Brazilian's sumptuous touch, and the rest was easy. We're going to go out on a limb and say that you won't see a better goal this matchday!

Number of the match: 3

TSG secure a draw in Bremen for the third time. A point at the Weserstadion is a good result for Hoffenheim. They remain without a win against Werder away from home.

Match facts and statistics »