Hoffenheim fight back to end RB Leipzig's unbeaten run
Hoffenheim came from behind to chalk up a fourth straight Bundesliga win and end RB Leipzig's eight-game unbeaten run.
Hoffenheim 3-1 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Diomande 9’ (assist: Nusa), 1-1 Hajdari 20’ (assist: Burger), 2-1 Lemperle 38’ (assist: Coufal), 3-1 Prömel 79’ (assist: Asllani)
Both Hoffenheim and Leipzig entered this match in scintillating form, with Christian Ilzer's side enjoying three successive wins while the visitors were eight games unbeaten in the Bundesliga - nine in all competitions.
While Leipzig had enjoyed their best start to a season in club history with 22 points from nine matches, Hoffenheim had dramatically improved under Ilzer compared to last season.
The Austrian's debut as Hoffenheim coach in 2024/25 was fittingly against Leipzig which ended in a 4-3 victory, with this game equally as entertaining.
Leipzig started brightly at the PreZero Arena and took the lead in the ninth minute through Yan Diomande. The Ivorian forward received a pass from Assan Ouédraogo before cutting inside his marker and placing a precise shot beyond Oliver Baumann.
Hoffenheim respond
Hoffenheim responded well to going behind, growing in confidence as the half progressed. Their persistence was rewarded in the 20th minute when Albian Hajdari equalised, tapping in from close range after Wouter Burger guided the ball back across goal.
With momentum firmly on their side, the hosts completed the turnaround in the 38th minute when Tim Lemperle rose highest to meet Vladimir Coufal's pinpoint cross, heading Hoffenheim into a deserved 2-1 half-time lead.
Leipzig emerged from the interval with renewed determination, nearly equalising in the 48th minute when David Raum's superb curling effort struck Baumann's right post. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances - Leipzig had 12 shots in the second half alone - they couldn't find a way past a resolute Hoffenheim defence and the excellent Baumann.
The hosts, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, and in the 79th minute, Grischa Prömel effectively sealed the victory with a clinical finish from inside the area following good work by substitute Fisnik Asllani.
Leipzig thought they had pulled a goal back through Rômulo, but the Brazilian's effort was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
Man of the Match: Tim Lemperle
Lemperle was the standout performer, earning 37% of the votes for Man of the Match. His powerful header in the 38th minute gave Hoffenheim a lead they never relinquished, continuing his impressive record against Leipzig - it was his second career goal against them, both coming via headers.
Beyond his goal, Lemperle was a constant threat in attack and worked tirelessly without the ball, helping Hoffenheim maintain their defensive shape against Leipzig's persistent pressure.
His substitution in the 76th minute was met with warm applause from the home supporters, appreciative of his match-winning contribution.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 1.87 - Leipzig 2.17
Fastest player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 34.68 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Tim Lemperle (Hoffenheim), 11.37 percent
Most pressed player: Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ridle Baku (Leipzig), +5.45
Fantasy Heroes: Yan Diomande (Leipzig, 310 Points), Albian Hajdari (Hoffenheim, 278 Points), Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim, 269 Points)
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