UEL round-up: The facts on Matchday 5 in Group L

The match facts:

Hoffenheim were the superior side in Belgrade, where they enjoyed the lion's share of possession (61%) and almost three times as many shots as their opponents (17-6). The fact that they failed to score in a European game for the first time on their 19th continental outing was easy to digest given that the 0-0 draw secured them first place in the group. As TSG have the better head-to-head record against Red Star Belgrade, Sebastian Hoeness and his team cannot be ousted from top spot in Group L despite having only a three-point lead with one game left to play.

The man of the match:

It was an extraordinary professional debut for Marco John, who was handed his first appearance for the TSG Hoffenheim senior squad at the "Marakana" in Belgrade. The 18-year-old impressed on the left flank, where he played the full 90 minutes, won 71% of his challenges and recorded a pass completion rate of 83%. Many congratulations on making your debut, Marco!

The quote of the evening:

Oliver Baumann: ''This is a piece of history. We're all happy that we've managed it comfortably. We had a lot of chances to score today. But we were also able to weigh up the risk and secure the group win." 

Press reactions:

An unforgettable 0-0 for Marco John (Heilbronner Stimme)

TSG coast to top spot in the group (Mannheimer Morgen)

Group L at a glance:

Slovan Liberec won the group's other game 2-1 at KAA Gent, but the point for Red Star means the Czechs can no longer reach the knockouts. The placements in the group have all been determined with one match remaining: TSG Hoffenheim have won the group ahead of second-placed Red Star Belgrade, who have also qualified, while Slovan Liberec and Gent finished third and fourth respectively. That means Hoffenheim will be seeded when the draw is made for the last 32 on 14 December and they will be pitted against either a second-placed team from the UEFA Europa League or one of the four weakest third-placed clubs in the UEFA Champions League.

Match facts and statistics »