Hoffenheim II vs VfR Mannheim

Wagenbach's 54th-minute opener. After a goalless first half in which Hoffenheim II had dominated possession without finding the breakthrough, the goal early in the second half forced VfR Mannheim to chase the game. With the entire VfR backline already replaced at half-time, the cohesion required to mount a comeback was never established.

Wagenbach (Hoffenheim II) — Scored the opening goal in the 54th minute that set Hoffenheim II on course for victory. His movement in the box proved the difference against a reshuffled VfR defence.

Yannick Eduardo (Hoffenheim II) — The Hoffenheim academy forward doubled the lead with a composed finish. Eduardo, who has been with the TSG youth system, showed why he is pushing for regular minutes in the 3. Liga this season.

Stefan Kleineheismann (Hoffenheim II head coach) — Named player of the match. The 3. Liga side's defensive organisation, even with a completely changed XI at half-time, restricted VfR Mannheim to few clear chances. The clean sheet was a positive start to pre-season.

The 2-0 scoreline reflected Hoffenheim II's territorial dominance but also the early stage of pre-season for both sides. VfR Mannheim, who had completed only three training sessions before the match, predictably faded as the game wore on. Hoffenheim II's extra week of preparation translated into sharper transitions and better pressing intensity. The clean sheet was notable given that both teams used entirely different line-ups in each half, disrupting defensive continuity.

This was the first pre-season friendly for both TSG Hoffenheim II and VfR Mannheim. For Hoffenheim II, it was a solid start under Stefan Kleineheismann, who took over the U23 side in July 2025. The 3. Liga outfit will face tougher tests as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.

VfR Mannheim head coach Marcel Abele, who took charge of the Regionalliga side, drew positives from the performance despite the loss. "The focus was on giving every player game time. Because the squad was mixed up, not everyone played in their preferred position," Abele said after the match, as reported by the Wochenblatt Reporter. He highlighted the team's effort and running ability as good signs for the opening phase of pre-season, and noted that no players picked up injuries.

VfR Mannheim's next pre-season fixture is against city rivals SV Waldhof Mannheim at the Rhein-Neckar-Stadion on 10 July 2026.

A routine pre-season win for a 3. Liga side against a Regionalliga/Oberliga opponent, notable more for the fitness work completed than the result itself. Hoffenheim II's extra preparation time was the decisive factor. VfR Mannheim will take more from the 90 minutes of running done than the 2-0 scoreline.