Status: 02:38 a.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes
Hoffenheim’s Dennis Geiger (blue jersey) in action
Quelle: Getty Images/Srdjan Stevanovic
This time TSG Hoffenheim doesn’t deliver a spectacle. But the 0-0 win is enough to remove any remaining doubts about group victory. Trainer Hoeneß pays close attention to the regeneration of his protégés.
DThe final whistle seemed like a relief. In a Europa League game that neither team wanted to lose, Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim made the group win perfect and can already look forward to the international continuation in 2021. A 0-0 win at Roter Stern Belgrade on Thursday evening was enough for coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team to secure first place ahead of the Serbs after four wins at the start. Belgrade is also qualified for the intermediate round, which begins in February of next year, thanks to the draw in front of empty ranks due to the corona.
“This is something historical. We’re all happy that we made it, ”said goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Hoffenheim will winter for the first time in Europe. Midfielder Sebastian Rudy had not observed a non-aggression pact in the Rajko Mitic stadium: “We wanted to win and we tried.”
Coach Hoeneß can use the final group game against KAA Gent next Thursday to protect his players in turbulent weeks. In addition to the European competition, four Bundesliga games and a cup match are on the program until Christmas.
The biggest spectacle of the start phase was provided by the hosts’ fans, who sent colorful and loud fireworks into the sky of the Serbian capital outside the stadium before kick-off. On the grass, both clubs initially adapted to the modest weather with three degrees and rain: Bad passes shaped the first 20 minutes, Belgrade acted surprisingly defensive and wait-and-see given the starting position.
Hoffenheim’s Hoeneß has been using different line-ups in the Bundesliga and Europa League for weeks. Compared to the 1-1 draw in Mainz last Sunday, Uli Hoeneß’s nephew brought nine new players into the starting line-up this time. 18 year old Marco John made his debut and played well.
Even without the World Cup runner-up Andrej Kramaric and other regular players, Hoffenheim gave the bigger impulses offensively. Before all striker Munas Dabbur came to the conclusion again and again, a spectacular overhead kick (17th) went well over the gate. When Dabbur later (37th) had the lead on his feet, the local keeper Milan Borjan reacted excellently and defused the massive end to the corner.
At the break Dabbur had to go out surprisingly, Kramaric came for him. Not much changed in the game proportions. TSG combined and earned deals, Belgrade waited and stood out mainly due to tactical fouls and toughness in midfield. Robert Skov (78th) checked the strong Borjan again with his left hand, but he stood out again before the zero number was over.
Leverkusen moves into the next round with victory in Nice
Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen has reached the knockout round of the Europa League early. Coach Peter Bosz’s team won 3-2 (2-1) at OGC Nice on Thursday evening and will now play against Slavia Prague for the group win next Thursday.
The Rhinelander, who had been undefeated for seven competitive games and won the first leg 6-2, scored goals in the Allianz Riviera stadium through Moussa Diaby (22nd minute), Aleksandar Dragovic (32nd) and Julian Baumgartlinger (51st). Hassane Kamara (26th) and Dan Ndoye (47th) met for the eleventh place in the French league.
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