Hoffenheim secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Sunday, ending the visitors’ eight-match unbeaten run and preventing them from recording a seventh consecutive win.
Andrej Kramaric scored Hoffenheim’s 1,000th Bundesliga goal as the hosts produced a strong second-half performance to claim all three points at the SNP Arena.
Leverkusen enjoyed more possession in the early stages but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Hoffenheim threatened in the 13th minute when Leon Avdullahu tested goalkeeper Mark Flekken with a shot towards the right post, but the Leverkusen goalkeeper made an important save.
The hosts came close to taking the lead before the break when Adam Hlozek beat Flekken with an effort inside the penalty area, only for the ball to strike the woodwork.
Leverkusen’s difficulties were compounded by an injury to Moussa Diaby, who was forced off before half-time.
The second half initially produced few clear opportunities, although Leverkusen began to threaten after the hour mark.
Ibrahim Maza had an effort blocked, while Oliver Baumann intervened to deny the visitors another opportunity inside the box.
Hoffenheim eventually broke the deadlock after a video assistant referee review awarded them a penalty for Edmond Tapsoba’s challenge on Fisnik Asllani inside the area.
Kramaric stepped up and calmly sent the ball into the bottom-left corner to give the hosts the lead and record a landmark goal for the club.
Alexander Prass doubled Hoffenheim’s advantage in the 90th minute after a swift attacking move through the middle.
However, he was sent off moments later after receiving a second yellow card for removing his shirt during his goal celebration.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Hoffenheim added a third goal in stoppage time.
Kramaric struck the crossbar, but Max Moerstedt reacted quickly to convert the rebound and complete the emphatic victory.
The result ended Leverkusen’s run of eight matches without defeat and their 18-game unbeaten streak in Sunday Bundesliga away fixtures.
Kramaric was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match following his influential performance.
