In the midst of severe club turmoil, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim footballers failed to qualify for the Champions League ranks. The team coached by coach Christian Ilzer lost points when they drew 1-1 (1-0) against FSV Mainz 05 who were threatened with relegation even though they had taken an early lead. Andreas Hanche-Olsen made it difficult for the hosts with an own goal (9th minute). Substitute Danny da Costa equalized in stoppage time (76th).
In a dull start to the eleventh matchday in terms of football, Hoffenheim was at least able to celebrate captain Oliver Baumann’s 500th appearance in the Bundesliga.
Mainz’s Dominik Kohr was shown a red card for a serious foul on Max Moerstedt in the 88th minute. “According to the images, his style of play is dangerous for health. Therefore, the final decision is: a red card,” said referee Sascha Stegemann, justifying the sending off based on video images.
“Dominik is not that smart. We need him,” Nadiem Amiri said of his teammate. This was Kohr’s ninth dismissal in his Bundesliga career. The 31-year-old Luiz replaces Gustavo and Jens Nowotny as the sole record holder in the category in question. This season, the midfielder already received a yellow-red card in the 4-1 win at Augsburg.
Even though they drew, Hoffenheim remained at the top of the group. Despite the fact that Kraichgau society is currently experiencing tumultuous times. Managing directors Markus Schütz and Frank Briel were recently fired in a power struggle for patron Dietmar Hopp. Additionally, club chairman Jörg Albrecht resigned.
According to media reports, sporting director Andreas Schicker also wants to move to VfL Wolfsburg. But the professionals around Baumann and veteran Andrej Kramaric are currently facing some difficulties.
The own goal epitomizes Mainz’s situation
Something similar happened on an uncomfortable Friday night in Mainz. The first goal opportunity of the match was very emblematic of the current situation of the two clubs: Mainz centre-back Hanche-Olsen directed a cross from Wouter Burger into his own net from about 14 meters away. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner was surprised by his Norwegian teammate’s carelessness.
After the break, the hosts increased the pressure and achieved a better goal. Hollerbach (55) and winger Phillipp Mwene (58) finished in promising positions, but fell short. The game became faster in the final phase and TSG lost opportunities to make early decisions. When Joker da Costa equalized, the goal came too late after a period of pressure from Mainz.
