FIRST TEAM
11/08/2014

Dramatic comeback denied: TSG's home run ends against Köln

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim suffered an unfortunate 4-3 loss to 1. FC Köln on Saturday afternoon. A hugely entertaining and action-packed first half between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and 1. FC Köln produced six goals – for the first time in five years in the Bundesliga – as TSG clawed their way back to 3-3 following a 3-1 deficit. The second half proved less dramatic, though the game was decided by Pawel Olkowski's second goal of the night.

Tactics and line-up:

Manager Markus Gisdol made three changes to the side that suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend in Gladbach (3-1). Sebastian Rudy, Steven Zuber and Anthony Modeste were replaced by Ermin Bicakcic, Kevin Volland and Adam Szalai. Along with Volland, Sven Schipplock was also back in the matchday squad after both players were ruled out with injuries last weekend.

There were no tactical surprises as TSG attacked in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Roberto Firmino pulling the strings in midfield as Szalai returned to lead the line. When defending, they shifted to two lines of four, with two strikers looking to put early pressure on the Bundesliga newcomers' defence.

Match highlights:

2nd minute: GOOOOAAAALLLL for Hoffenheim! 1-0: What a start for TSG! Tobias Strobl plays the ball into the area from the right-hand side, Adam Szalai turns quickly and puts a shot on target. Köln keeper Timo Horn connects with the ball but is unable to parry away.

5th minute: GOAL for Köln. 1-1: The visitors respond immediately. Ermin Bicakcic's attempted clearance is picked up by Pawel Olkowski on the edge of the area. The Polish defender strikes a crisp strike on target, leaving Oliver Baumann without a chance.

12th minute: GOAL for Köln. 1-2: Matthias Lehmann scores a direct free kick near the corner of the penalty area. Baumann gets something onto it, but it wasn't enough to keep it out.

31st minute: CHANCE for Hoffenheim. Tarik Elyounoussi's powerful shot from inside the area forces Horn to a quality save.

35th minute: GOAL for Köln. 1-3: Anthony Ujah muscles his way through Hoffenheim's defence, speeds past the charging Baumann and taps home into an empty net.

39th minute: GOOOOAAAALLLL for Hoffenheim! 2-3: Roberto Firmino has put Hoffenheim back in contention with a strong and low shot from outside the area following a one-two with Elyounoussi.

45th minute: GOOOOAAAALLLL for Hoffenheim! Volland's cross from the right wing finds Firmino in the box and the Brazilian's header settles in the back of the net. What a turn around and what a half of football!

60th minute: An even contest so far in the second half. The action has calmed down considerably. Hoffenheim are seeing more of the ball but are unable to find a gap in Köln's defence.

83rd minute: GOAL for Köln. Pawel Olkowski bags his second goal of the match to put the visitors back in the lead. It's a similarly good strike as the first one and again leaves keeper Baumann with no hope.

Number of the match: 12

Our 12th man has arrived! For the first time this season, the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena was sold out. TSG were given great support by the crowd against Köln, even after the final whistle. There weren't any complaints about the performance. On the contrary, the supporters applauded Hoffenheim's fighting spirit and celebrated the team's great show of morale in the game.

Match facts and statistics »

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