"Every loss of possession led to a dangerous counter"

This was a match like the April weather: curious. BVB started on the front foot, causing TSG problems with their double pivot and clearly enjoying the upper hand, yet the chances fell exclusively to the hosts for a long spell. "Every loss of possession led to a dangerous counter for Hoffenheim," criticised Favre, who issued a warning to his players. "When we attack, we need to already be anticipating a loss of possession." In other words, to be prepared for what might happen. Yet all too often they were found wanting.

While the statistics might have revealed 74 percent possession for the Black & Yellows in the opening 20 minutes, Hoffenheim grew into the game and had had all the shots (10-0) by the 48-minute mark. BVB could not feel too hard done by to find themselves 1-0 down (Joelinton, 44), especially as Hoffenheim had added a further two goals that were disallowed by the match officials.

"After around 60 minutes we woke up again and played the ball forward a little more, and things gradually got better," Favre explained. Kagawa had the first – very dangerous! – attempt on goal for his team in the 56th minute of the match.

The controversial red card for Abdou Diallo seemed to have put paid to any hopes of a BVB comeback in the final quarter of an hour, as Favre said: "Everyone thought it was all over for us. Yet we still came back." BVB got the all-important equaliser – already their sixth late goal of the season – in the 84th minute. Six of their 11 goals scored across all competitions have come in the closing stages. It was also the fourth time – after Fürth (DFB Cup) and the home league games against Leipzig and Frankfurt – that the team has come from behind or overcome a setback. "That's a good sign," the 60-year-old said: "But as a coach, I need to analyse the content. We can be satisfied with the 1-1 draw. We know that."
Boris Rupert