Hoffenheim make early dominance count in defeat of Augsburg
Sunday's Bundesliga action kicked off with two clubs hunting European football in the form of TSG Hoffenheim and Augsburg. The Sinsheim side ran out 3-1 winners at full-time.
After a dominant start, Hoffenheim opened their account to forge victory this afternoon with a quickfire double that started in the 17th minute. Grischa Prömel bisected the Augsburg rearguard with a precise ball into the right channel for Kadeřábek. The Czech wing-back squared into the box for the arriving Wout Weghorst who simply couldn't miss.
Pellegrino Matarazzo's side extended their advantage with their subsequent attack of note. Andrej Kramarić capitalised on the visitor's standoffish defending to whip the ball past Finn Dahmen from 25 yards. Augsburg finally woke up just before the half-time whistle sounded. However, not even Rubén Vargas could get the better of Oliver Baumann who reacted smartly.
Baumann found himself theusted back into the thick of things after the restart. Arne Engels fired from range to keep the 33-year-old alert between the posts. Augsburg eventually halved the defecit on the hour mark - Arne Meier's defelcted shot fell to Tietz. The striker fed Demirović who chipped in with his 15th Bundesliga goal from six yards.
Patrick Pfeiffer came close to restoring parity but his 81st minute header was cleared off the line by Weghorst as Hoffenheim hung on. Ultimately, the result was put beyond doubt when Kaderabek turned provider again in the final minute of normal time. Racing in behind, substitute Ihlas Bebou composed himself and fired to the roof of the net. Consequently, Hoffenheim pull level with Augsburg on 36 points in 7th place.