Wolfsburg draws with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga in a game with two comebacks
TSG Hoffenheim’s relegation is still not assured after the 2-2 draw at VfL Wolfsburg, but given the goal difference, they can look forward to their remaining games with confidence. In the Autostadt, TSG came back from behind twice, but were extremely lucky in the last second.
The 4-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund also marked Ralph Hasenhüttl’s departure as coach of VfL Wolfsburg. Interim coach Daniel Bauer, who is otherwise in charge of the U19 team, made four changes. Gerhardt, Kaminski, Wind, and Amoura started in place of Dardai, Skov Olsen, Tiago Tomas, and Nmecha.
His counterpart Christian Ilzer made two substitutions after the turbulent 4-4 draw in Mönchengladbach . Akpoguma was preferred to Nsoki, and Baumann returned to the starting lineup for Philipp after recovering from a concussion.
Wolves with lightning start – Kaderabek technically fine
The DFB goalkeeper certainly would have imagined a different start to the match. After 19 seconds, he had to reach behind him for the first time. After Bülter lost the ball to Wimmer and Amoura’s cross, Östigaard unintentionally tipped the ball into his own net from close range. TSG, however, didn’t let this deter them, instead attacking boldly. Touré almost equalized with a deflected shot that Grabara made a strong save in the 11th minute.
At the other end, Wimmer challenged Baumann from distance (16′). Overall, however, TSG dominated the game, even if they lacked clear chances. Bischof’s free kick was no problem for Grabara (33′), before the equalizer came a minute later: Bülter’s cross was volleyed into the net by Kaderabek with a fine technical finish (34′).
Hoffenheim even scored again, but Kramaric was clearly offside after Bischof’s free kick (42′). Maehle’s tricky long-range effort (45′) then sealed the first half.
Bülter answers wind – Koulierakis hits the post
The Wolves initially came out of the break with a bit more activity, although Hoffenheim had the first notable attack via a counterattack – Bischof’s long-range attempt flew just wide (49th minute). The newly introduced Majer (53rd minute) and Amoura (65th minute) for VfL, as well as Hlozek for TSG (58th minute), had further chances, although these ultimately proved easy prey for the two goalkeepers.
Things then became truly dangerous twice within a matter of minutes. First, Vavro threw himself as the last man to block a shot from Stach (70′), before Bülter’s drop kick on a turn went well over the bar (73′). Suddenly, however, the goal fell on the other side. Wind, who had barely been seen up to that point, headed in a Majer corner – his first goal since Matchday 19 (81′). The lead didn’t last long, however. TSG equalized again three minutes later through Bülter (84′).
Just when it seemed as if both teams had settled for the draw, VfL suddenly stepped up a gear and went on the power play. Koulierakis had a great chance to make it 3-2, but his shot from just a few meters hit the inside of the post (90’+4′). So the score remained 2-2.
Next Saturday (3:30 p.m.), Wolfsburg will host Borussia Mönchengladbach on the final matchday. Hoffenheim will host German champions Bayern Munich at the same time.
