Gladbach clinch 2-1 win over Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim 1-2 Gladbach
Goals: 0-1 Sander 23’, 1-1 Kramarić pen. 58’, 1-2 Pléa 61’ (assist: Hack)

As the Bundesliga headed into its winter break, Hoffenheim and Gladbach served up a festive treat at the PreZero Arena. The visitors were buoyed by the return of captain Julian Weigl, who slotted back into the starting line-up after serving a suspension. Hoffenheim, under the guidance of manager Christian Ilzer, were looking to build on their good recent performances with a positive result. Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute's silence to remember the victims of Friday's attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg.

The match began with both teams showing intent, but it was Gladbach who struck first. In the 23rd minute, Philipp Sander found himself with space on the edge of the box following a corner. The midfielder's well-struck shot took a slight deflection before nestling in the bottom corner, giving the visitors the lead. Hoffenheim responded well to going behind, with Tom Bischof emerging as a constant threat. The young midfielder forced a good save from Moritz Nicolas with a dipping effort from distance. The visitors thought they had doubled their advantage just before half-time when Tim Kleindienst found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, leaving Gladbach with a slender lead at the break.

Hoffenheim came out firing in the second half, pinning Gladbach back with sustained pressure. Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Joe Scally fouled Alexander Prass in the box. Andrej Kramarić stepped up and coolly slotted home, bringing the scores level. However, Gladbach's response was swift and clinical. Just three minutes later, Pléa received a brilliant pass from Robin Hack, danced past several defenders, and fired low into the bottom corner to restore Gladbach's lead. The goal showcased the Foals' counter-attacking prowess, which had been a feature of their play throughout the match.

Hoffenheim push, Gladbach hold firm

The final 30 minutes saw Hoffenheim throw everything at Gladbach in search of an equaliser. Adam Hložek squandered a golden opportunity, sliding in at the far post but failing to make clean contact with the ball. Haris Tabaković, introduced as a substitute, twice tested Nicolas in the Gladbach goal, but the keeper was equal to both efforts. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Hoffenheim couldn't find a way through Gladbach's resolute defence. The visitors' clinical finishing proved to be the difference, as they held on for a crucial victory.

Ko Itakura was instrumental in Gladbach's victory, delivering a masterclass in defensive solidity. The Japanese international was a calming presence at the back, making crucial interceptions and well-timed tackles to thwart Hoffenheim's attacks. Itakura's composure on the ball was evident as he consistently played out from the back under pressure, helping Gladbach maintain possession and launch counter-attacks. His positioning and reading of the game were key factors in limiting Hoffenheim's effectiveness despite their dominance in possession.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 3.2 - Gladbach 0.42
Fastest player: Franck Honorat (Gladbach), 34.15 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Philipp Sander (Gladbach), 8 percent
Most pressed player: Jacob Bruun Larsen (Hoffenheim), 28 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Jacob Bruun Larsen (Hoffenheim), +3.67

Fantasy Heroes: Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim, 268 Points), Moritz Nicolas (Gladbach, 239 Points), Valentin Gendrey (Hoffenheim, 230 Points)