Hoffenheim international David Raum (23) once again provides the decisive impetus. This also impressed Cologne’s coach Steffen Baumgart.
For a long time it was exasperating. In Cologne, Hoffenheim once again missed a host of first-class goal-scoring opportunities, with Ihlas Bebou in particular straining the nerves of his colleagues and coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who had wished “to take the lead again for once” after all the comebacks. After numerous failed attempts by his attackers, defender Stefan Posch finally scored the golden 1:0. The Austrian had scored his very first goal for TSG in the first leg, now his second.
The perfect cross had once again been hit by David Raum in front of goal – with just the right force, trajectory and precision. “My cross wasn’t too wrong, but Poschi moved in, did a great job and headed it in unstoppable – a great goal,” said a delighted Raum, whose previous crosses should have been rewarded and completed.
The majority of Hoffenheim’s chances originated on the left, not counting the always awkward free kicks or corner kicks. Andrej Kramaric and Bebou missed Raum’s ball (20th), Bebou, who had already been unlucky on several occasions, headed Raum’s cross against the post (46th) immediately after the break, before Posch finally helped Raum to his ninth assist and eleventh goal.
Even the opponents’ coach was impressed by Raum’s performance afterwards. “His crosses then also come to the point. I think he is now the best player we have in the Bundesliga,” said Steffen Baumgart, “he has great speed forward and is always well released.
Only Raum’s playlist bothers Hoeneß
The lauded man himself was relaxed about the negligent utilisation of his set-pieces. “We could have scored more, but one more goal is also enough for the victory,” the 23-year-old was pleased to say, “if you want to play at the top, you have to win these duels. Those are the awesome, nasty victories that you’re very happy about.” It was a success that lifted TSG back up to fourth place and reaffirmed their international ambitions.
However, Hoeneß still had one thing to criticise about David Raum’s overall performance. “Before the game, he’s responsible for the playlist in the dressing room, so sometimes I have to listen away,” the 39-year-old revealed. A shortcoming that the TSG coach is certainly happy to accept.