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Borussia Dortmund’s most painful results against TSG Hoffenheim

By Jorge Alessandro Arias

Hoffenheim's Croatian forward Andrej Kramaric (C) celebrates scoring from the penalty spot, his fourth of the day, with his teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match BVB Borussia Dortmund v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on June 27, 2020 in Dortmund, western Germany. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / various sources / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Hoffenheim's Croatian forward Andrej Kramaric (C) celebrates scoring from the penalty spot, his fourth of the day, with his teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match BVB Borussia Dortmund v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on June 27, 2020 in Dortmund, western Germany. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / various sources / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Roman Weidenfeller was sent off. (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Roman Weidenfeller was sent off. (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images) /

Salihovic leads to salvation (BVB 1-2 TSG / 2012-13 Season)

Last but not least I bring to you perhaps the most dramatic encounter between the two clubs to date. On the final matchday of the 2012-13 season, Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim couldn’t have been in more contrasting situations.

Borussia Dortmund were on the eve of their second ever UEFA Champions League final, while Hoffenheim were battling to avoid relegation to the second tier of German football.

Having already beaten teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City earlier in the season, it seemed like Borussia Dortmund would be able to easily handle a relegation candidate like Hoffenheim. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the first five minutes of the game and set the tone for the next hour of play.

As dominant as Dortmund were, they couldn’t add to their lead, which meant Hoffenheim were still in the fight. Their ray of hope arrived in the 76th minute when Mats Hummels committed a reckless tackle on Kevin Volland inside the box. Sejad Salihovic equalized from the spot and the game was on. Hoffenheim’s moment had arrived. They needed only one more goal to send Düsseldorf straight down to the 2. Bundesliga and secure a relegation play-off spot for themselves.

Only three minutes had elapsed and Hoffenheim found their golden opportunity. A deadly through ball from Roberto Firmino caught Neven Subotic and Felipe Santana by surprise as Sven Schipplock went on a 1v1 against Roman Weidenfeller. With no other option available, the latter brought down the Hoffenheim striker and was handed a straight red while also conceding a penalty.

Kevin Großkreutz was then forced to take up goalkeeping duties. Salihovic stepped up and converted from the spot, delighting all travelling fans. More drama followed when Marcel Schmelzer scored the equalizer from outside the box with a precise left foot shot. But the referees had other ideas when they concluded that Robert Lewandowski, who was offside at the time of the shot, interfered with Koen Casteels’ attempt to save the shot. The goal was called off and the match ended in defeat for the Black and Yellows. Hoffenheim went on to play in the relegation play-off and defeated FC Kaiserslautern to stay in the Bundesliga.

Next. Four players who left Borussia Dortmund too soon. dark

History shows Hoffenheim has been a tough pill to swallow for Borussia Dortmund in recent times. If Edin Terzic can learn something from previous losses, it is that Hoffenheim always play to win, no matter the circumstances they are in. If BVB are to defeat Hoffenheim on Friday, the players must show a level of desire to win that we didn’t see in their last home game.