Last seasons entertainers Hoffenheim continued their pre-season demolition work with an 8-0 victory over amateur side FC Speyer 09, meaning they have now served up 25 goals in two pre-season friendlies, getting in some intense shooting practice ahead of the new season next month.

The intensity was never going to be huge in the 30C heat, but Firmino got the ball rolling just six minutes in when he turned in Vestergaard’s ball. New addition Schwegler added a second just minutes later, before quick strikes from Firmino then Szalai from the spot made it 4-0 with just a quarter of the game gone.

Into the second half, and Schwegler added his second before Gisdol changed the entire team with half an hour to go, though the concentration did not waver.

Shipplock, Haberer, and Promel also etched their names on the scoresheet, as the comfortable 8-0 victory was assured.

Elsewhere, Borussia Moenchengladbach welcomed Premier League Stoke City to the North Rhine-Westphalia, as Lucien Favre played a mix of youth and experience from the off.

With ter Stegen leaving, Heimeroth was staking his claim for a first-team spot with some very impressive saves early on, including one from former Bundesliga boy, Mame Diouf.

A goalless but entertaining first half, but we didn’t have to wait long for a goal in the second. Just before the 50 minute mark, Thorgan Hazard was sent clear, and finished beautifully from just outside the area, to give the Foals a 1-0 lead.

The English side nearly responded quickly through Crouch, as a shot deflected off the target man, falling inches wide. It was the former English international that did get the equaliser though, when he tapped home from close range with 65 gone.

Andre Hahn looked good and had a few chances to regain the lead for his side, but the match ended 1-1 – largely down to Heimeroth who made some superb saves throughout the match.

FC. Koln hosted their Cologne counterparts Fortuna Koln on Sunday evening in a match that hadn’t been contested for 14 years.

Young midfielder Daniel Halfar scored just three minutes in, but they were immediately pegged back after a strike from Hamdi Dahmani – who was at FC. Koln as a youngster.

Halfar regained the lead for the Billy Goats midway through the first half, and what beckoned to be an enthralling game drifted off somewhat after that.

There was time in the second half for Yannick Gerhardt to get on the scoresheet, the 20 year old looking forward to a debut season in the Bundesliga after his vital part in promotion last season.