Hoffenheim started explosively, scoring three goals in the first 12 minutes through Marius Bülter's brace and Adam Hložek’s fine strike. However, an 18th-minute red card for Stanley Nsoki shifted the momentum and set 10-man Hoffenheim on the back foot. Bremen quickly capitalised, with Julián Malatini pulling one back in the 21st minute. Danish midfielder Jens Stage then stepped up as Bremen's hero, scoring twice before half-time - a 26th-minute header and close-range finish in the 39th minute - to make it 3-3 at the break.

The second half started as dramatically as the first, with Stage completing his hat-trick just four minutes in, heading home a cross from Mitchell Weiser to give Bremen the lead. Despite being a man down, Hoffenheim showed resilience, with Jacob Bruun Larsen and Adam Hložek both going close. However, Bremen's defence held firm, notbaly thanks to Amos Pieper's crucial late intervention. Stage’s hat-trick was the key factor in Bremen's comeback, showcasing his aerial prowess, clinical finishing, and impressive work rate, cementing his status as a rising Bundesliga star. Bremen now sit tenth, just shy of the top half of the table, while Hoffenheim slip into the play-off spot (16th).

Highlights

Stage hat-trick in astonishing Bremen comeback