TSG Hoffenheim began the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a 3-2 defeat at 1. FC Cologne. Coach Christian Ilzer's team led twice on Saturday but couldn't hold on to victory and missed a penalty.

Following this loss, Hoffenheim now sits 14th in the current standings with zero points from one match. The record shows 0 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss with a goal difference of 2:3. This puts TSG already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Hoffenheim took the lead in the 27th minute through Adam Daghim. Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe had previously saved a shot from Czech attacker Adam Hlozek from around 18 meters. At halftime, TSG led 1:0. After Cologne's Said El Mala equalized in the 51st minute, Ozan Kabak made it 2:1 for the visitors in the 67th. But the joy was short-lived.

Max Moerstedt had the chance to seal the game but missed a penalty in the 57th minute. National team goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, between the posts, had earlier saved a one-on-one against El Mala. A back pass from Leon Avdullahu had created that chance. Referee Florian Badstübner awarded the spot-kick after a foul by Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on Bambasé Conté.

The missed big chance and two late goals from Cologne new signing Thijs Dallinga turned the game. Dallinga, on loan from FC Bologna, scored in the 72nd and 82nd minutes. Marvin Schwäbe later saved another big opportunity from Moerstedt. For Cologne, it was their first home win against Hoffenheim in over eleven years.

Hoffenheim was also missing three offensive players. Andrej Kramaric, the Croatian international, was only on the bench after groin surgery. Tim Lemperle, a former Cologne player, was absent due to a suspension from a red-yellow card. Fisnik Asllani wasn't in the squad at all, with a transfer reportedly wanted. He is currently listed alongside A. Prass on the injuries and absences page.

The team is competing in the Europa League this season, but the league start failed. Ilzer began the match with Conté and Hlozek in attack. The 49,700 spectators in Cologne's stadium saw an inconsistent performance from the visitors.

For Cologne, 20-year-old Said El Mala was a bright spot before being substituted early in the second half with cramps. He extended his contract until 2031 in the summer and now wears the number 10 shirt, last worn by Lukas Podolski in the 2011/12 season. Thomas Kessler, a Cologne official, said: "It did him good that a decision was made at some point. It is nice that he sees a place here where he can develop further."

TSG must quickly process the defeat. The next match is already on September 5, 2026. Then Hoffenheim hosts Borussia Dortmund at home, who are currently third in the table. All upcoming fixtures can be found in the schedule.

The team needs to improve its defensive work after conceding three goals in one game. The attack was also weakened, affecting coach Ilzer's options. The current squad overview shows the available personnel for the tasks ahead. A win against Dortmund would be important for the table situation and morale.