Baumann inspires Hoffenheim victory in Hamburg
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim secured their first away win under Julian Nagelsmann, dispatching Hamburger SV 3-1 with a fine, counter-attacking performance at the Volksparkstadion.
Hamburger SV 1-3 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Kramaric (pen. 20'), 0-2 Volland (23'), 1-2 Hunt (pen. 30'), 1-3 Vargas (67')
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An exhilarating opening few minutes saw Michael Gregoritsch nearly put Hamburg ahead at one end, before Rene Adler was forced into a superb double save at the other. The home side had just begun to take control of the game when two Adler mistakes in the space of four minutes turned the game on its head. The Hamburg ‘keeper first conceded a penalty and then an indirect free-kick that helped hand Hoffenheim a surprise 2-0 lead through Andrej Kramaric and Kevin Volland. The home side's response was swift, Aaron Hunt pulling a goal back from 12 yards after Ermin Bicakcic handled the ball in the area.
Hamburg burst into life in the second half, but were kept at bay primarily by some fine goalkeeping from Oliver Baumann. With Hamburg chasing the equaliser, Hoffenheim contented themselves with sporadic counter-attacks. The decision paid off in the 67th minute, as Eduardo Vargas fired his team 3-1 ahead. The home side refused to relent, forcing yet more brilliant saves from Baumann as they searched for a way back into the game. Hoffenheim held, however, garnering three points and hauling themselves out of the automatic relegation spots.
Man of the Match
Baumann kept Hamburg at bay with string of fine saves in the second half, giving Hoffenheim the chance to hit back on the counter-attack and secure victory.
Talking point
This was Hoffenheim's first away win under Nagelsmann. They are in resurgent form, and look increasingly like a team capable of avoiding relegation.
Match stats
- Gregoritsch had 5 shots on goal, more than any other player.Hoffenheim had only 39 per cent of possession.Hamburg had 24 shots on goal.
Line-ups
Hamburg: Adler – Sakai, Cleber, Spahic, Ostrzolek – Ekdal, Holtby (Bahoui 76') – Gregoritsch (Schipplock 62'), Hunt, Ilicevic – Rudnevs (Lasogga 68')
Hoffenheim: Baumann – Kaderabek, Bicakcic, Süle, Toljan – Strobl (Schär 86') – Rudy, Amiri (Ochs 68') – Uth, Volland – Kramaric (Vargas 62')
