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Alexadra Popp was injured
Photo: Eibner press photo / Memmler / Eibner / IMAGO
The VfL Wolfsburg footballers suffered a serious setback in the race for the German championship a week before the supposed final against Bayern Munich.
The second-placed team lost 0-2 (0-1) on Friday evening at third-placed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who they had beaten 3-0 in the DFB Cup last week.
Alexandra Popp had to be substituted in the first half (34th).
The captain of VfL and the German national team injured her calf without any influence from an opponent.
National player Paulina Krumbiegel gave Hoffenheim the lead with a remarkable long-range shot in the 21st minute.
Michaela Specht increased the score to 2-0 with a hand penalty (70th).
After a yellow-red card for Hoffenheim's Franziska Harsch (77th), former TSG player Jule Brand brought the favorites closer again (88th).
But despite numerous opportunities, Wolfsburg only managed one goal.
Defending champions FC Bayern can extend their lead over Wolfsburg to four points in their home game against newly promoted RB Leipzig on Saturday (12 p.m./Stream: DAZN and MagentaSport).
The following Saturday, Wolfsburg and Munich will meet directly in the Volkswagen Arena.
kjo/dpa