Hoffenheim cruise past Augsburg with impressive first-half display

Hoffenheim's impressive unbeaten run continued as they comfortably defeated Augsburg 3-0 at the PreZero Arena, thanks to three first-half goals.

Hoffenheim 3-0 Augsburg
Goals: 1-0 Toure 16’ (assist: Burger), 2-0 Burger 26’, 3-0 Zesiger o.g. 45’

For the first time in more than three-and-a-half years, TSG Hoffenheim entered this match on a five-game unbeaten run, looking to continue their impressive form under coach Christian Ilzer. Augsburg, meanwhile, arrived in Sinsheim having just snapped a three-game losing streak with a narrow 1-0 victory over Hamburg on Matchday 11.

The occasion was particularly special for Augsburg manager Sandro Wagner, who was celebrating his 38th birthday against the club where he enjoyed his most successful spell as a player, scoring 15 goals in 42 Bundesliga appearances.

Before kick-off, Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was honoured for reaching the milestone of 500 Bundesliga appearances last time out, with the veteran shot-stopper facing fellow German international Finn Dahmen in the Augsburg goal.

Watch: Oliver Baumann honoured in recognition of 500th Bundesliga appearance

Hoffenheim wasted no time asserting their dominance, with early pressure yielding a succession of corners as Bazoumana Toure tested the Augsburg defence. The Ivorian then made the breakthrough after 16 minutes when he capitalised on a loose ball after Tim Lemperle and Chrislain Matsima had battled for possession on the edge of the box. The striker showed tremendous pace to burst through before coolly finishing through Dahmen's legs at a blistering 103.87 km/h.

The hosts continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Wouter Burger hammered home from close range after Dahmen could only parry Grischa Prömel's initial effort.

Augsburg briefly threatened when Dimitrios Giannoulis forced a fine save from Baumann with a dipping volley, and later when the TSG keeper was caught out of position, but the Greek defender's lob sailed over the bar.

Hoffenheim's dominance was further rewarded in the final minute of the half when Vladimir Coufal's dangerous cross from the right was inadvertently diverted into his own net by Cédric Zesiger after Noahkai Banks had cleared the ball against him whilst under pressure from Prömel. The goal gave the hosts an emphatic 3-0 lead at the interval.

Wouter Burger's goal was his third Bundesliga goal of the season. - IMAGO/Jan Huebner

About the players

18

Wouter

Burger

TSG Hoffenheim

The visitors showed more attacking intent in the second period, with Samuel Essende seeing an early effort blocked by Robin Hranáč and Robin Fellhauer firing narrowly wide from distance.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, continued to carry a threat going forward, but in truth, both sides seemed fairly content to play out the remaining minutes unharmed.

The closest Augsburg came to a consolation was in the 83rd minute when Essende thundered home a spectacular strike, only for VAR to rule it out for offside against Phillip Tietz in the build-up. Alexis Claude-Maurice also forced a smart save from Baumann late on with a dipping effort from outside the area, but Hoffenheim comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a well-deserved clean sheet and three points.

The second half proved more even, with the result seemingly already settled. - IMAGO/Grant Hubbs

Man of the Match: Wouter Burger

The Dutch midfielder was at the heart of everything good about Hoffenheim's performance, capping an outstanding display with a well-taken goal in the 26th minute. Burger covered more ground than any other player on the pitch (12.5 km) and was instrumental in his side's dominance in midfield, contributing to both attack and defence. His ability to regain possession and distribute the ball effectively kept Hoffenheim in control throughout, while his positional awareness allowed him to arrive at the perfect moment to convert after Prömel's saved effort. With 393 Fantasy Manager points – significantly more than any other player – Burger was the clear standout performer and a deserving winner of the Man of the Match award.

Wouter Burger grabbed a goal and an assist in a Man of the Match display. - IMAGO/kolbert-press/Martin Agüera

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 2.19 - Augsburg 1.09
Fastest player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 35.82 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 21 per cent
Most pressed player: Samuel Essende (Augsburg), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Leon Avdullahu (Hoffenheim), +5.62

Fantasy Heroes: Wouter Burger (TSG Hoffenheim, 393 Points), Bazoumana Toure (TSG Hoffenheim, 257 Points), Albian Hajdari (TSG Hoffenheim, 252 Points)

About the clubs

FC Augsburg

WWK ARENA

TSG Hoffenheim

PreZero Arena