Two handball penalties as BVB lose 2-1 at Hoffenheim

After about fifteen minutes, BVB began to take control of the game, creating their first chance through Daniel Svensson’s header from five metres out (which unfortunately flew well over the bar) in the 13th minute, and enjoying more and more possession, which was evenly balanced after 24 minutes. A ball won by Julian Ryerson from Touré deep in his own half sparked a strong counter-attack, in which Beier narrowly failed to connect with Fabio Silva’s cross just outside the six-yard box (25).

Kobel made a save to deny Kramaric in the ensuing attack (26) and then faced the Hoffenheim striker from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. What had happened? During a Hoffenheim attack, Süle got his studs caught in the turf at the edge of the box, twisting his knee and dropping to the ground in pain without any contact from an opponent. Kramaric’s shot from long range struck Süle’s arm, and referee Siebert awarded a penalty after reviewing the footage. Whilst Süle left the pitch in pain (Bensebaini came on for him), Kramaric converted to make it 1-0 (42). Hoffenheim’s half-time lead was deserved – but the way it came about was highly frustrating from a Black & Yellow perspective.

Borussia came out of the dressing room full of energy, playing far better than in the first half, though they struggled in the final third, meaning chances were few and far between at first. Hoffenheim made two defensive substitutions (Prass and Prömel for Touré and the injured Burger), whilst Guirassy was brought on for Silva in the BVB camp.

In the 65th minute, Svensson hesitated too long with his shot from 12 metres, allowing Kabak to throw himself into the path of the ball and thwart the chance to make it 1-1. Shortly afterwards, the Swede made way for Brandt (Beier took over on the left flank), and Samuele Inacio came on for Marcel Sabitzer. Hoffenheim were playing for time, sitting deep at the back. However, Dortmund’s efforts continued to lack precision. So Guirassy took matters into his own hands following a through ball from Bensebaini. With his back to goal and 20 metres out, he controlled the ball, turned and slotted it through Kabak’s legs to make it 1-1. The ball nestled in the far left corner (87).

Baumann tipped Beier’s shot away for a corner (90+1), whilst at the other end Prass’s cross struck Ryerson’s hand, and the second VAR review also resulted in a penalty: Kramaric kept his cool and confidently converted to make it 2-1 for the hosts. In the 12th minute of stoppage time, however, there was still a chance to equalise: a free-kick from 19 metres, but Brandt shot a metre over the bar.

OutlookNext Sunday, BVB host SC Freiburg. Kick-off at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is at 17:30 CEST.

TSG HOFFENHEIM 2–1 (1-0) BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Bundesliga, Matchday 30

TSG: Baumann – Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Bernardo (72, Hranac) – Avdullahu – Kramaric, Burger (60, Burger) – Lemperle (82, Moerstedt), Asllani, Touré (60, Prass)

Substitutes: Philipp, Akpoguma, Damar, Bebou, Campbell

BVB: Kobel – Süle (42, Bensebaini), Anton, Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, Sabitzer (71, Inacio), Bellingham, Svensson (71, Brandt) – Chukwuemeka, Beier – Silva (60, Guirassy)

Substitutes: Meyer, Mane, Couto, Özcan, Albert