Hoffenheim shock Werder Bremen | OneFootball

Hoffenheim secure crucial comeback victory against Bremen

Hoffenheim secured an important away win at Werder Bremen as they sought to put distance between themselves and the relegation zone, with Tom Bischof on target in an impressive come-from-behind display.

Werder Bremen 1-3 HoffenheimGoals: 1-0 Nsoki (o.g.) 7‘, 1-1 Stach 28’ (assist: Kramarić), 1-2 Bischof 44’ (assist: Becker), 1-3 Orban 63’ (assist: Kramarić)

In a game that held the utmost of importance for both sides, Hoffenheim were looking to keep their heads above water towards the bottom while Bremen were keen on keeping pace with those chasing the European places. The visitors entered the match with a poor away record, having won just one of their nine Bundesliga games on the road this season. Bremen, on the other hand, were hoping to improve their home form.

Romano Schmid (l.) and Issa Kabore celebrate Werder's opener after Stanley Nsoki put through his own net. (Stuart Franklin)

Once the action started, it was Bremen who struck first, albeit in fortunate circumstances. In the 7th minute, Romano Schmid whipped in a cross from the left, and Stanley Nsoki inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, giving the hosts an early lead. The goal underwent a VAR check for a possible handball by Schmid in the build-up, but the decision stood.

However, Hoffenheim responded well to the setback and began to assert their dominance. Their efforts paid off in the 28th minute when Anton Stach equalised. After playing a one-two with Andrej Kramarić on the edge of the box, Stach slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner of Michael Zetterer's goal.

Watch: Werder Bremen 1-3 Hoffenheim - highlights

The competition was often fierce between two sides determined to come out on top. (imago sportfotodienst)

The momentum had clearly shifted in Hoffenheim's favour, and they capitalised just before half-time. In the 44th minute, Tom Bischof put the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal. The young midfielder exchanged passes on the edge of the area before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, wrong-footing the Bremen goalkeeper.

Coach Ole Werner responded to his team's first-half struggles by making three changes at the break, bringing on Derrick Köhn, André Silva, and Amos Pieper. The substitutions initially seemed to invigorate the home side, with Silva having a good chance early in the second half, only to see his shot blocked.

Hoffenheim's clinical finishing proved too much for Werder Bremen's defence. (IMAGO/nordphoto GmbH / Kokenge)

Despite Bremen's improved start to the second half, it was Hoffenheim who struck the decisive blow. In the 63rd minute, Gift Orban extended the visitors' lead with a well-taken header. Kramarić provided an excellent cross from the right, and Orban rose highest to nod the ball past Zetterer, effectively sealing the victory for Hoffenheim.

The home side tried to mount a comeback, with Justin Njinmah and Leonardo Bittencourt both coming close in the latter stages, but Hoffenheim's defence held firm. The visitors' clinical finishing and solid defensive display proved too much for Bremen, who struggled to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying more possession.

Player of the Match: Tom Bischof

While several Hoffenheim players impressed, it was Bischof who stood out as the game's most influential figure. The young midfielder not only scored the crucial goal that put Hoffenheim ahead but also played a pivotal role in controlling the tempo of the match. Bischof's ability to find space and link play was evident throughout, and he finished the game with an impressive 19 challenges won, the highest of any player on the pitch. His performance was a perfect blend of creativity and work rate, embodying Hoffenheim's approach to the game.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Werder Bremen 0.99 - Hoffenheim 1.55Fastest player: Niklas Stark (SVW), 34.99 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-1 by Anton Stach (TSG), 8.57 per centMost pressed player: Romano Schmid (SVW), 24 times under pressurePass efficiency: Leonardo Bittencourt (SVW), +3.72

Fantasy Heroes: Tom Bischof (TSG Hoffenheim, 378 Points), Anton Stach (TSG Hoffenheim, 335 Points), Andrej Kramarić (TSG Hoffenheim, 218 Points)

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