Andrej Kramarić double secures crucial win for Hoffenheim against Mainz
Hoffenheim secured a welcome 2-0 win against Mainz with Andrej Kramarić scoring both goals. The victory, which ended Hoffenheim's four-match winless streak, is a boost in their bid to beat the drop, while Mainz's top-four aspirations took a hit.
Hoffenheim 2-0 Mainz
Goals: 1-0 Kramarić 4' (assist: Touré), 2-0 Kramarić 32' (assist: Touré)
Sent off: Nebel 90'+4
Hoffenheim entered the match desperate to end their four-game winless streak, while Mainz were looking to continue their strong season performance. The absence of key Mainz players Nadiem Amiri, due to suspension, and Jonathan Burkardt, through illness, made this one hard to predict. Hoffenheim manager Christian Ilzer acknowledged Mainz's strength but emphasised the importance of bringing energy to the pitch, while Mainz's Bo Henriksen stressed the need for power and improved possession play.
The match began with a bang as Andrej Kramarić put Hoffenheim ahead in just the 4th minute. The Croatian striker latched onto a cross from Bazoumana Toure, who had broken free on the right wing, and calmly slotted the ball past Robin Zentner. This early goal set the tone for Hoffenheim's counter-attacking strategy, which proved effective throughout the match. Despite Mainz's efforts to respond, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Nelson Weiper's 13th-minute header going wide in one of their few early opportunities.
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Hoffenheim's tactical approach paid dividends again in the 32nd minute when Kramarić struck for the second time. Following a Mainz corner, Toure cleared the ball and found Kramarić in space. The striker showed his class by calmly curling the ball past Zentner, doubling Hoffenheim's lead. The first half also saw yellow cards for Hoffenheim's Arthur Chaves in the 23rd minute and Stanley Nsoki in the 45+2 minute, reflecting the match's intensity. The half ended with Hoffenheim leading 2-0, despite Mainz enjoying more possession.
The second half saw Mainz push for a comeback, dominating possession and creating several chances. Weiper came close in the 72nd minute with a header that narrowly missed the target. However, Hoffenheim's defence, led by Kevin Akpoguma, remained resolute. Oliver Baumann made crucial saves when called upon, frustrating Mainz's attempts to get back into the game. Hoffenheim continued to threaten on the counter, with Anton Stach forcing a brilliant save from Zentner in the 73rd minute. Both teams made several substitutions throughout the half, with Mainz bringing on Armindo Sieb for Nikolas Veratschnig in the 66th minute in an attempt to change the game's dynamics. The match ended on a sour note for Mainz as Paul Nebel received a second yellow card in the 90+4 minute, summing up their frustrating afternoon.
Player of the Match: Andrej Kramarić
Kramarić was undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring both goals and leading Hoffenheim to a crucial victory. His clinical finishing was evident in both strikes, with his first goal coming from just 5.52 meters out and his second from 15.78 meters. Kramarić's ability to find space and convert chances was pivotal, especially considering Hoffenheim's lower possession stats. His performance earned him the highest fantasy points (262) of any player in the match, underlining his impact on the game.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 1.93 - Mainz 1.24
Fastest player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 35.28 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), 80 percent
Most pressed player: Paul Nebel (Mainz), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Danny da Costa (Mainz), +2.07
Fantasy Heroes: Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim, 262 Points), Valentin Gendrey (Hoffenheim, 199 Points), Arthur Chaves (Hoffenheim, 177 Points)
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