Opening of the Match
TSG Hoffenheim began the new Bundesliga season against VfB Stuttgart with a 1‑2 (1‑1) loss. Marie Steiner (37th minute) gave the previous season’s fourth‑placed team a 1‑0 lead. In the first half both teams had numerous chances, but neither the Hoffenheim nor the Stuttgart players could deliver the precision. Stuttgart had three chances, including a side‑foot shot from Mira Arouna (27) that narrowly missed.
Steiner Leads Hoffenheim
About 20 minutes into the game the match was level. Janna Grimm won the ball in the penalty area against Janina Hechler and passed to the centre, where Steiner scored from a few metres for Hoffenheim (37). The lead held until halftime, when the visitors scored their first Bundesliga goal.
Rall’s Double
After a corner, Maximiliane Rall headed the ball to a 1‑1 equaliser – Stuttgart’s first Bundesliga goal and the halftime score. Shortly after the break the visitors went ahead: Redzepi failed in a one‑on‑one against Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Laura Dick, and Rall put the visitors ahead 2‑1 (46). Rall missed a third goal in a direct duel with Dick (60) and the Stuttgart captain also failed in the 73rd minute.
Stuttgart Holds the Lead
In the closing phase the TSG pulled a corner, but the hosts still lacked structure. Stuttgart had little trouble defending the narrow lead – until stoppage time, when goalkeeper Laura Giuliani made a heroic save against Vanessa Diehm (90.+4). Thus the Swedes earned their first Bundesliga win in history.
Outlook
TSG Hoffenheim will next play an away match against 1. FC Köln on Friday (28.08.) at 18:30. VfB Stuttgart will host Hamburger SV on Saturday (14:30) for their home debut.
