TSG Hoffenheim Vs FC Köln Player Ratings: Marvin Schwäbe rated 8.5 as El Mala's Early Strike Secures a Narrow 1-0 Victory for FC Köln

A classic smash-and-grab performance from FC Köln saw them leave with all three points against a wasteful TSG Hoffenheim. The solitary goal came early in the first half. A swift counter-attack in the 16th minute was clinically finished by Said El Mala. From our perspective, it was a tale of two very different approaches. TSG Hoffenheim dominated the ball and created numerous chances. But their finishing was simply not good enough on the day. They peppered the goal but found an inspired Marvin Schwäbe in their way, time and time again.

The visitors, on the other hand, executed their game plan to perfection. They absorbed pressure, defended in numbers, and looked dangerous on the break. This Bundesliga encounter, as detailed in the match stats, really highlighted the importance of being clinical. Hoffenheim's frustration was visible as the game wore on, culminating in a deserved win for Köln. Here are the TSG Hoffenheim Vs FC Köln Player Ratings.

TSG Hoffenheim Player Ratings vs FC Köln

Here are the TSG Hoffenheim Player Ratings vs FC Koln.

Goalkeeper

Oliver Baumann - 6.5: He couldn't do much about the goal, a well-taken finish on a counter. Made a few important saves, especially one to deny Jakub Kaminski in the second half. A solid enough performance, but he was on the losing side.

Defenders

Robin Hranac - 7.0: A busy afternoon for the defender. He was strong in the tackle, winning 9 duels. Was dribbled past a couple of times but overall a committed and solid display from him.

Bernardo - 7.0: We noticed his aggressive style from the start. He made 5 crucial clearances and was dominant in the air. However, a clumsy challenge earned him a yellow card and he looked a bit reckless at times.

Albian Hajdari - 6.0: He was comfortable on the ball, with decent passing stats. However, he struggled a bit with the physical side of the game. Lost a few key aerial duels and looked vulnerable.

Vladimír Coufal - 6.5: He tried to get forward and support the attack, creating two chances. But his final ball was often lacking. Lost possession a staggering 26 times, which really stalled his team's momentum.

Midfielders

Leon Avdullahu - 7.0: One of the brighter sparks for Hoffenheim before being substituted. His passing was crisp and incisive. Created two key chances and looked composed on the ball. It was a surprise to see him taken off.

Muhammed Damar - 6.0: Had a good chance saved early on and was at the heart of many attacks. However, he was very wasteful with his crossing and lost possession too often. An energetic but ultimately frustrating performance.

Fisnik Asllani - 5.5: A day to forget for the midfielder. He got into good positions but his finishing was woeful. Blasted a clear chance over the bar and never really threatened the keeper. Lacked composure when it mattered most.

Wouter Burger - 5.0: A really poor display. He was a walking foul, committing 5 of them and picking up a deserved yellow card. He struggled to get a foothold in the game and was a liability defensively.

Bazoumana Touré - 5.5: What stood out to us was his sheer volume of activity, but none of it was effective. He had five shots but only one was on target. Lost the ball an incredible 23 times. So much energy but so little end product.

Forwards

Tim Lemperle - 6.0: He tried to make things happen and created a couple of opportunities for his teammates. However, he was largely anonymous for long periods. Didn't offer the cutting edge his team desperately needed.

Substitutes

Grischa Prömel - 6.0: Came on but couldn't change the course of the game.

Ihlas Bebou - 6.0: Added some pace but lacked a final product.

Andrej Kramaric - 6.5: Forced a brilliant save late on but it was too little, too late.

Max Moerstedt - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Alexander Prass - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

C. Ilzer - 6.0: His team dominated the game but couldn't find the net. The plan to control possession worked, but the failure to convert chances falls on the players. He'll be tearing his hair out after this one.

FC Köln Player Ratings vs TSG Hoffenheim

Here are the FC Koln Player Ratings vs TSG Hoffenheim.

Goalkeeper

Marvin Schwäbe - 8.5: The clear man of the match. An absolutely immense performance between the sticks. Made four crucial saves, including a world-class stop late on. He single-handedly won the game for his team. What a display.

Defenders

Joël Schmied - 8.0: A colossal performance at the back. He made 8 clearances and 3 blocked shots. Seemed to be in the way of everything. A true warrior's performance from the defender.

Dominique Heintz - 7.0: Was solid and dependable before his afternoon was cut short by injury. He did his job effectively while he was on the pitch. Won his duels and kept things simple.

Timo Hübers - 8.0: Another standout in the Köln backline. He made a staggering 10 clearances. Read the game beautifully and was a rock. Hoffenheim's forwards will be having nightmares about him.

Midfielders

Eric Martel - 8.0: A complete midfield performance. He provided a brilliant assist for the winning goal. Was tough in the tackle, winning 9 duels, and made 5 clearances. Covered every blade of grass.

Ísak Jóhannesson - 7.5: The creative spark for his side. His passing was a joy to watch and he created a big chance. Dictated the tempo for Köln when they had the ball. A very intelligent footballer.

Sebastian Sebulonsen - 6.0: He worked incredibly hard for the team, but his quality on the ball was lacking. Lost possession far too many times and picked up a silly yellow card. The effort was there, but the execution wasn't.

Kristoffer Lund - 6.5: A quiet but effective game. He was defensively solid, making 6 clearances. Didn't offer much going forward but he didn't need to. He played his part in a great team effort.

Forwards

Said El Mala - 7.5: The match-winner. Took his goal with great composure on the counter-attack. His movement was a constant problem for the Hoffenheim defence. A decisive and clinical performance.

Jakub Kaminski - 7.0: Always looked dangerous. He had four shots and forced a couple of saves. His direct running provided a great outlet for his team, especially in the second half. A very lively display.

Jan Thielmann - 6.5: A real handful in the first half. He won 5 free kicks and was a constant nuisance. It was a shame his game was ended by injury at halftime. He was causing all sorts of problems.

Substitutes

Ragnar Ache - 6.0: Replaced Thielmann and put in a good shift defensively.

Linton Maina - 6.0: Offered fresh legs to help see out the game.

Cenk Özkacar - 6.5: Came on and helped shore up the defence.

Tom Krauß - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Denis Huseinbasic - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

L. Kwasniok - 8.0: From our perspective, his tactics were absolutely spot on. He set his team up to be solid and hit on the break. They executed the plan to perfection. A masterful away performance and a huge three points.

Sportsdunia's Man of the Match goes to Marvin Schwäbe.