Hoffenheim’s European ambitions remain intact thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 win in the Capital on matchday 17 of the Bundesliga season. In the day's other game, a dramatic late goal from Joselu rescued an improbable point for Hannover 96, who were 2-0 down with less than ten minutes to play.
Five star performance from TSG
Markus Gisdol’s side had a stunning first half against Hertha BSC, which laid the foundations for an impressive victory that sends out a warning sign to their rivals for the European places. Jos Luhukay’s side were architects of their own downfall during the game. TSG took the lead after 23 minutes when Anthony Brooks turned Kevin Volland’s ball into his own net. Three minutes later Brooks brought down Sven Schipplock in the box, giving Peter Sippel no option but to award the penalty. Sejad Salihovic converted confidently against his former club. The Bosnian repeated the feat shortly before the break after Nico Schulz fouled Andreas Beck.
Hertha were much stronger in the second half and almost got back into the game through Änis Ben-Hatira’s 54th minute effort. In an attempt to rescue the game, Luhukay brought on strikers Sandro Wagner and Solomon Kalou, however, further goals from Sven Schipplock and Sebastian Rudy ended the hopes of a fightback and ensured that TSG left the capital with all three points.
Joselu wins a late point for Hannover
Tayfun Korkut’s side scored in injury time to grab a draw in Freiburg. An incredible match ended 2-2, even though the hosts were 2-0 up with just 8 minutes left on the clock. Hannover created the better chances in the first half and hit the woodwork twice through Jimmy Briand and Joselu; however, it was the hosts that went into the break with a lead. Mike Frantz scored in injury time after good play from Christian Günter.
The side at the bottom of the table impressed throughout the early stages of the second half and could have made the lead more comfortable early on in the period. Germany U21 international Felix Klaus hit the post just 10 seconds into the half. Ron-Robert Zieler kept out Vladimir Darida early in the half too. With an hour gone Admir Mehmedi hit the post from 30 yards out. Freiburg doubled their lead with nine minutes to go thanks to Marc-Oliver Kempf’s powerful header, but the visitor set up a grandstand finish seconds later thanks to Leonardo Bittencourt’s tidy finish. The hosts looked set to move off the bottom of table with a moral boosting three points, but in injury time disaster struck. A poor clearance from Roman Bürki presented Joselu with the opportunity to level the scores. The Spanish striker fired the ball home to maintain his good run of form. Hannover finish the year in eighth place with 24 points; Freiburg are bottom with 15.
Hoffenheim’s European ambitions remain intact thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 win in the Capital on matchday 17 of the Bundesliga season. In the day's other game, a dramatic late goal from Joselu rescued an improbable point for Hannover 96, who were 2-0 down with less than ten minutes to play.
Five star performance from TSG
Markus Gisdol’s side had a stunning first half against Hertha BSC, which laid the foundations for an impressive victory that sends out a warning sign to their rivals for the European places. Jos Luhukay’s side were architects of their own downfall during the game. TSG took the lead after 23 minutes when Anthony Brooks turned Kevin Volland’s ball into his own net. Three minutes later Brooks brought down Sven Schipplock in the box, giving Peter Sippel no option but to award the penalty. Sejad Salihovic converted confidently against his former club. The Bosnian repeated the feat shortly before the break after Nico Schulz fouled Andreas Beck.
Hertha were much stronger in the second half and almost got back into the game through Änis Ben-Hatira’s 54th minute effort. In an attempt to rescue the game, Luhukay brought on strikers Sandro Wagner and Solomon Kalou, however, further goals from Sven Schipplock and Sebastian Rudy ended the hopes of a fightback and ensured that TSG left the capital with all three points.
Joselu wins a late point for Hannover
Tayfun Korkut’s side scored in injury time to grab a draw in Freiburg. An incredible match ended 2-2, even though the hosts were 2-0 up with just 8 minutes left on the clock. Hannover created the better chances in the first half and hit the woodwork twice through Jimmy Briand and Joselu; however, it was the hosts that went into the break with a lead. Mike Frantz scored in injury time after good play from Christian Günter.
The side at the bottom of the table impressed throughout the early stages of the second half and could have made the lead more comfortable early on in the period. Germany U21 international Felix Klaus hit the post just 10 seconds into the half. Ron-Robert Zieler kept out Vladimir Darida early in the half too. With an hour gone Admir Mehmedi hit the post from 30 yards out. Freiburg doubled their lead with nine minutes to go thanks to Marc-Oliver Kempf’s powerful header, but the visitor set up a grandstand finish seconds later thanks to Leonardo Bittencourt’s tidy finish. The hosts looked set to move off the bottom of table with a moral boosting three points, but in injury time disaster struck. A poor clearance from Roman Bürki presented Joselu with the opportunity to level the scores. The Spanish striker fired the ball home to maintain his good run of form. Hannover finish the year in eighth place with 24 points; Freiburg are bottom with 15.
