Europa League: Bankruptcy against Son and Co.: Hoffenheim faces exit from Europe

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim were badly punished for their own mistakes against Tottenham Hotspur and are on the verge of elimination in the Europa League. Coach Christian Ilzer’s team lost 2:3 (0:2) on Thursday evening and therefore only has one remaining hope of progressing in Europe’s second highest club football competition. The prerequisite is a success at RSC Anderlecht next Thursday.

While TSG has to worry about staying in the Europa League, the guests from London have created the basis for direct qualification for the round of 16. England international James Maddison (3rd minute) and Heung-min Son (22nd) made things clear early on. Anton Stach (68th) scored the connecting goal, then Son (77th) again. With his goal in the 88th minute, David Mokwa caused tension again.

The opponent in the league also has problems

The star ensemble from the Premier League still has a market value of over 700 million euros in the post-Harry Kane era – but is just as far behind its goals in the league as Hoffenheim, which is facing relegation worries in the Bundesliga.

Hoffenheim’s defense is easy to overcome

In front of 30,150 spectators, national goalkeeper Oliver Baumann prevented anything worse from happening with a few saves. Tottenham, who had been in the Champions League final five and a half years ago, dominated the game and were in the lead after just 177 seconds.

The goal was a symbol of how easily Hoffenheim’s defense could be overcome on an uncomfortable January evening. A long and precise ball from Pedro Porro from his own half was enough to outplay the entire defense. Maddison took the lead and shot past Baumann from close range to make it 0-1. The darts fan celebrated his goal with a simulated throwing movement in front of Hoffenheim’s corner.

Opportunities upon opportunities for Tottenham

TSG could hardly build on the 3-1 win against Bundesliga promoted Holstein Kiel and acted completely wildly, especially around their own penalty area. Brazil’s World Cup star Richarlison (12th) was denied by Baumann, while full-back Porro (14th) shot past the goal while standing completely alone. When the Kraichgauers approached the guests’ goal for the first time, the Spurs could have already been leading 3-0.

At least the second goal was scored. This time Maddison shone as a preparer and put leading player Son in the spotlight. Pavel Kaderabek, who was rushing back, deflected the South Korean’s shot, making it unstoppable for Baumann.

Referee takes back penalty

The English team, plagued by many injuries, were able to slow down the pace early and manage the result with great aplomb over long stretches. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin saved one or two shots, and the crossbar also helped the Spurs once (55th) with a shot from Andrej Kramaric.

When Hoffenheim was denied a penalty kick after minutes of video review, the game seemed to be over for good. But the hosts, who were much stronger in the second half, didn’t give up and managed to score thanks to Stach. The outstanding Son then seemed to have made everything clear after a strong individual performance on the left. With another goal, Mockwa once again raised Hoffenheim’s hopes of at least one point – albeit ultimately in vain.