Hoffenheim strengthen UEFA Champions League hopes with stunning comeback victory over Eintracht Frankfurt
Hoffenheim stormed back from a goal down to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 at Deutsche Bank Park, thanks to goals from Max Moerstedt and Ozan Kabak. Victory sees the Sinsheimers strengthen their hopes for UEFA Champions League football next term, while Frankfurt's defensive woes continue under interim coach Dennis Schmitt.
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 Hoffenheim
Goals: 1-0 Kalimuendo 18’ (assist: Uzun), 1-1 Moerstedt 52‘ (assist: Burger), 1-2 Kabak 60‘ (assist: Burger), 1-3 Amenda o.g. 65‘
All eyes were on Deutsche Bank Park as Eintracht Frankfurt embarked on a new chapter under interim coach Dennis Schmitt, following Dino Toppmöller's dismissal after a run of disappointing results.
The Eagles entered the match having conceded a concerning 39 goals in 18 Bundesliga games – the worst defensive record in the division – while facing a Hoffenheim side riding their confidence, having lost just one of their last 11 league matches and sitting pretty in third place, as genuine Champions League contenders.
The match began cautiously with both sides feeling each other out in the opening exchanges. Arnaud Kalimuendo had the first real opportunity when he latched onto a through ball from Ritsu Dōan, but Oliver Baumann was alert to the danger.
However, Frankfurt were rewarded in the 18th minute when Kalimuendo provided his side with the lead after Can Uzun had won the ball from Andrej Kramarić in midfield before delivering a perfectly weighted chip over the Hoffenheim defence. The Nottingham Forest loanee controlled the ball expertly with his thigh before slotting a composed finish past Baumann into the far corner.
Hoffenheim nearly found an immediate response when Ozan Kabak struck the post with a header from Wouter Burger's corner.
The visitors came close again just before the interval when Burger's close-range header was brilliantly saved by Kauã Santos.
Although Frankfurt started the second half positively, they were rocked when Hoffenheim equalised in the 52nd minute. Max Moerstedt rose magnificently to meet Burger's pinpoint cross from the left flank, guiding his header beyond Santos.
The momentum had shifted dramatically, and Hoffenheim capitalised eight minutes later when they then took the lead. From another set-piece, Burger's corner was initially cleared, but he received the ball back and delivered a perfect cross for the unmarked Kabak to head home.
Schmitt responded with a double substitution, bringing on Hugo Larsson and Ansgar Knauff for Chaïbi and Uzun, but the changes couldn't stem the tide.
Disaster struck for Frankfurt in the 65th minute when Aurèle Amenda turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to block a Vladimir Coufal cross, which sent it looping over Santos and effectively sealed the result at 3-1.
Despite further changes, with Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya replacing Nnamdi Collins and Kalimuendo, Frankfurt struggled to create meaningful chances in the final 20 minutes. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, managed the game expertly, maintaining their shape and frustrating the hosts.
Man of the Match: Ozan Kabak
Kabak delivered a commanding performance that epitomised Hoffenheim's remarkable turnaround. The Turkish defender was rock-solid defensively, winning 21 challenges – more than any other player on the pitch – while also proving decisive in attack.
Having already hit the post with a first-half header, Kabak made no mistake with his second opportunity, powering home what proved to be the winning goal. His aerial prowess caused Frankfurt problems throughout, and his positioning and reading of the game were impeccable, helping Hoffenheim secure a valuable three points.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 0.56 - Hoffenheim 1.74
Fastest player: Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt), 35.08 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Arnaud Kalimuendo (Frankfurt), 11.94 per cent
Most pressed player: Arnaud Kalimuendo (Frankfurt), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt), +3.22
Fantasy Heroes: Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim, 475 Points), Bernardo (Hoffenheim, 258 Points), Arnaud Kalimuendo (Frankfurt, 259 Points)
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