Hoffenheim clinch European berth after win against Hamburg
Hoffenheim secured a vital 2-1 victory which secured Christian Ilzer’s charges at least UEFA Europa League qualification as Hamburg’s winless streak continues.
Hamburg 1-2 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Asllani 19’ (assist: Coufal), 1-1 Glatzel 34’ (pen), 1-2 Lemperle 45’ (assist: Hajdari)
In a crucial fixture at both ends of the Bundesliga table, Christian Ilzer's side came into the match in outstanding form, looking to better their club record points tally of 62 set under Julian Nagelsmann in 2016/17.
For Hamburg, the objective was far more modest – to arrest an alarming slide that had seen them take just two points from their previous five matches, leaving them uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
Asllani strikes first
The hosts started positively with Bakery Jatta firing over from distance in the early exchanges. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer also looked lively for HSV, breaking down the right and beating Ozan Kabak before delivering a cross that failed to find a teammate.
As the match progressed, however, Hoffenheim began to assert their authority.
In the 19th minute, the visitors took the lead when Vladimir Coufal delivered an inch-perfect cross for Fisnik Asllani, who volleyed home from close range. The goal had been coming, with the Sinsheimers gradually taking control of proceedings and penning Hamburg back.
Glatzel levels from the spot
Hamburg responded well to going behind and found themselves level just after the half-hour mark. Kabak was caught in possession near his own penalty area, allowing Robert Glatzel to round Oliver Baumann before being brought down by the Hoffenheim goalkeeper.
Glatzel took responsibility himself and made no mistake, firing his penalty straight down the middle to restore parity. It was a crucial contribution from the striker, who has now been involved in goals in four of his five starts this season.
Lemperle restores Hoffenheim's advantage
Just as it seemed the teams would go into the break level, Hoffenheim struck again on the stroke of half-time. After Hamburg failed to clear, Tim Lemperle delivered a crushing blow for the home side, who had worked so hard to get back into the contest, scoring from close range.
The second half saw Hoffenheim stifle Hamburg's attempts to build from the back, though the hosts gradually began to find some joy down their right flank. The game's best chance to equalise fell to Jatta in the 74th minute, when he met Fábio Vieira's cross at the far post but headed over when unmarked.
Despite pushing for an equalising goal, Hamburg were unable to find a way through Hoffenheim's resilient defence, who held on to secure a crucial win.
Man of the Match: Robert Glatzel
Despite ending on the losing side, Glatzel was voted Man of the Match for his performance. The Hamburg striker showed excellent composure from the penalty spot, converting with a confident finish past Baumann to draw his side level.
Throughout the match, Glatzel worked tirelessly up front, holding the ball up effectively and bringing others into play. His movement caused problems for the Hoffenheim defence, and he was sorely missed after being substituted in the 64th minute.
With his goal, Glatzel maintained his impressive record of contributing to a goal every 82 minutes when starting this season.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hamburg 1.66 - Hoffenheim 1.56
Fastest player: Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim), 34.28 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Tim Lemperle (Hoffenheim), 36.48 percent
Most pressed player: Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (HSV), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Leon Avdullahu (Hoffenheim), +2.83
Fantasy Heroes: Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim, 251 Points), Daniel Heuer Fernandes (Hamburg, 231 Points), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim, 217 Points)
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