Bischof strike ensures Hoffenheim and Freiburg share the spoils
| Photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images. |
Julian Schuster's men took to the road this Bundesliga weekend as they looked to extract some revenge for their DfB Pokal exit at the hands of 3.Liga side Arminia Bielefeld midweek. Standing in their way was TSG Hoffenheim who have been out-of-sorts lately despite Christian Ilzer replacing the sacked Pellegrino Matarazzo. Setting up in an alternative 3-4-2-1 formation, the Breisgauers took the lead through substitute Vincenzo Grifo before Tom Bischof ensured a 1-1 stalemate.
Both teams adopted a rather leisurely approach to the game with neither side offering much in the final third. Adam Hložek's pass sought Andrej Kramarić in the 10th-minute but Noah Atubolu was alive to the danger. Freiburg's best chance of the half fell to Gregoritsch who was played onside by Prass, but the Hoffenheim full-back managed to deny his compatriot in time. Although Bruun-Larsen and Gendrey had opportunities, Atubolu was equal to both in what would remain a scoreless first-half.
Kramarić's low drive after the break crept past the left upright of Atubolu's goal. At the opposite end, Patrick Osterhage teed up Lucas Höler in the penalty area but the striker's outcome was similarly inaccurate. It wasn't long before Julian Schuster turned to his bench and called upon the services of Vincenzo Grifo as Osterhage vacated one of the double-ten roles behind Höler. The Sinheim side seemed to be getting on top until the Freiburg substitute acted as the catalyst for change.
As is so often the case, the Italian made an instant impact. With a delightful set-piece from the right flank, Grifo placed the ball on a silver platter for Mathias Ginter to divert past Baumann with an extended right boot. TSG restored parity 5 minutes later as substitute Max Moerstedt broke the ball for Tom Bischof to place his shot inside the right post from 17 yards. Denis Geiger stung the palms of Atubolu late on, as did Dinkçi when Baumann tipped his shot over. A share of the spoils seemed somewhat fair as the final whistle sounded.
