FIRST TEAM
03/21/2015

Baumann heroics secure a point for ten-man TSG

Ten-man TSG had Oliver Baumann to thank as they came away with a point from Paderborn. Hoffenheim's number one pulled off a string of top-drawer saves to ensure a 0-0 draw and deny the relegation-threatened hosts from taking all three points. Chances were few and far between for TSG and their challenge became even trickier when Ermin Bicakcic was sent off after receiving his second booking. Hoffenheim remain in seventh place after the draw, just one point adrift of a Europa League place.

Tactics and line-up:

Manager Markus Gisdol returned to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and was forced into making one change to the side that started against Hamburger SV last weekend. Pirmin Schwegler was missing through suspension, after picking up his fifth yellow card, so Tarik Elyounoussi was drafted in to the starting XI. The Norway international played on the left alongside Kevin Volland and Roberto Firmino, while Sven Schipplock spearheaded the TSG attack. Sebastian Rudy and Eugen Polanski were deployed as the holding midfielders and sat in front of an unchanged back four.

Match highlights:

9th minute: The hosts are putting TSG under pressure here and Baumann is called into action early on. Volland concedes a free kick but the TSG keeper comes off his line to confidently punch the ball clear.

15th minute: Another chance for Paderborn. Heinloth charges forward from defence and tries his luck from the edge of the penalty area. His powerful effort dips but fortunately not enough and the ball skims over the crossbar.

20th minute: Polanski makes space for himself on the edge of the area but his tame left-footed effort trickles wide of the mark.

24th minute: Chance for TSG! Schipplock controls the ball on his chest and volleys towards goal. His strike keeps rising and flies over and into the crowd. He should have done better considering the time and space he had in the box.

28th minute: TSG's defence switch off and Paderborn striker Lakic finds himself through on goal. Relief for Hoffenheim and the travelling faithful as he drags his strike wide of the far post.

32nd minute: The hosts are still pressing and dominating. Neat build-up play down the right, Wemmer whips the ball in and finds Lakic. The Paderborn target man can't keep his header down and it's a real let-off for TSG.

51st minute: Hoffenheim have the first real chance of the second half. Rudy's free kick dips over the wall but Paderborn keeper Kruse is equal to the challenge and punches to safety.

56th minute: Baumann can only watch as Meha's free kick flashes just wide. The hosts are closest to breaking the deadlock at the moment.

66th minute: RED CARD for TSG! Ermin Bicakcic picks up his second yellow of the afternoon and is off. It's going to be a tricky last 25 or so minutes for Hoffenheim!

72nd minute: A real heart-in-mouth moment for TSG fans as Paderborn come unbelievably close to scoring. Baumann gets a strong hand to Koc's strike. Lakic was lurking at the back post but couldn't capitalise.

80th minute: Fantastic reflex save by Oli Baumann! TSG's keeper is definitely having a busier afternoon than his opposite number. Baumann gets down quickly and smartly to deny Lakic from close range.

84th minute: TSG have to seriously thank Baumann for the fact that they're still in this game. The Hoffenheim keeper pulls off a fantastic diving save to turn behind a shot from Meha that was creeping in at the near post.

Moment(s) of the match:

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in Germany,” said Markus Gisdol on Thursday, referring to Oliver Baumann. The TSG keeper has rarely been more important for his team than he was today in Paderborn. SCP, with a man advantage, had chance after chance, but the Baumann was more than a match for their efforts, pushing the ball to safety or holding on to it whenever possible. The saves from Lakic and Meha in the closing stages were simply outstanding.

Number of the match: 7

That's the number of top-drawer saves that Oliver Baumann made during the course of the game. It was an incredible performance and definitely the chief reason ten-man TSG came away from Paderborn with a point.

Match facts and statistics »

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