Hložek brace secures much-needed European victory for Hoffenheim

After Max Moerstedt’s dramatic late equaliser against Midtjylland gained Hoffenheim a draw last time out, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men were hoping for a victory on home soil against Ukraine’s Dynamo Kyiv. 

The teenager’s first senior goal earned him a place in the starting lineup, replacing the disappointing Haris Tabaković. By rewarding in-form players with a starting spot, Die Kraichgauer looked to rectify their disappointing start to the 24/25 campaign. 

HOFFENHEIM ON THE FRONT FOOT

Having returned to the side after a few weeks out, Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramarić should have found the back of the net after 17 minutes. 

The Croatian collected the ball close to goal after some sloppy play from Kyiv’s Mykola Mykhailenko, but dragged his shot wide despite being under little pressure. 

However, shortly after, a cleverly placed cross from right-back Valentin Gendrey found Adam Hložek in the centre, and the Czech international converted his second goal of the season effortlessly from close range. 

STRUGGLING FOR CHANCES

Tom Bischof in the Hoffenheim midfield nearly found Hložek for a second goal with a beautifully weighted outside-of-the-boot through ball, but some smart goalkeeping from Heorhiy Buschchan denied him a shooting opportunity. 

The first half was a similar story in terms of attacking for Hoffenheim, as, despite their lead, they struggled to fashion many clear-cut chances on which their forwards could capitalise. 

HLOŽEK ON FIRE

15 minutes into the second half, Hložek doubled the hosts’ lead. 

A darting run inside and a neat one-two with Kramarić allowed the striker an opening from the edge of the area, which he finished with a curling first-time strike into the bottom corner, leaving Buschchan no chance. 

A sliding tackle from centre back Denys Popov denied Hložek a hattrick soon after, having been played in by a defence-splitting pass from Alexander Prass. 

Fortunately, Hoffenheim were able to control the rest of the game, creating a few half chances through Marius Bülter and wonderkid Moerstedt and facing little opposition from Kyiv. 

Thankfully, it was a comfortable victory for the hosts in a game they hope will signify a change in their fortunes.