Dominant display sees Hoffenheim crush HSV 4-1

TSG Hoffenheim continued their impressive Bundesliga run with a commanding 4-1 victory over Hamburger SV at the PreZero Arena. The hosts dominated from start to finish, with clinical finishing and fluid attacking play leaving Hamburg chasing shadows throughout the match.

Here is our full match report for the game between Hoffenheim and HSV:

First half:

The hosts wasted little time in asserting control, opening the scoring in the 8th minute through Grischa Prömel, who netted his fifth Bundesliga goal of the season. Hoffenheim’s sharp movement and fluid passing carved open the HSV defence, setting the tone for what followed.

Hoffenheim dictated the tempo for large stretches of the half, circulating the ball confidently and pinning Hamburg back. HSV attempted to respond with high pressing and quick transitions, looking to exploit any space left behind, but struggled to turn their approach into clear-cut chances.

After sustained pressure, Hoffenheim doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark. A slick, tiki-taka-esque passing move sliced through the Hamburg back line, with Ozan Kabak applying the finishing touch to cap off a move that underlined Hoffenheim’s attacking cohesion.

Hamburg enjoyed a brief spell of momentum shortly before the interval, with Fabio Baldé causing problems down the flank and unsettling the Hoffenheim defence. However, the visitors were unable to find a way through before the whistle.

At half-time, Hoffenheim head into the break firmly in control, while Hamburg face a significant task to turn the match around in the second half.

Second half:

Hoffenheim continued to put pressure on Hamburg and eventually scored their third goal via striker Tim Lemperle, who was suddenly completely free infront of Fernandes and put it between his legs to score in the 65th minute.

Shortly after it was his subbed-in striker partner Fisnik Asllani who managed to get his name on the score-board: he stuck his leg in at the end of a typical Hoffenheim counter attack and scored in the 72nd minute of the game - Hoffenheim firmly marked their dominance with these two goals.

HSV however, tried to make the game thrilling again: Rayan Philippe got one back for the guests in the 82nd minute, but it seemed to be too late to get the hosts into panic mode - right?

HSV could have actually gotten another goal in extra time, as they were awarded a penalty due to a Hoffenheim player using his hand in the box - but goalscorer Philippe slipped on the spot and the game ended in calm fashion.

Full-time: Hoffenheim 4-1 HSV.