bundesliga

Hoffenheim mount dramatic comeback late on to stun RB Leipzig in seven-goal thriller

23.11.2024

Hoffenheim came from behind three times to defeat RB Leipzig 4-3 in a thrilling Bundesliga match. Adam Hložek scored twice, Tom Bischof netted his first senior goal, and super-sub Jacob Bruun Larsen snatched a late winner on Christian Ilzer's managerial debut.

Hoffenheim 4-3 Leipzig

Goals: 0-1 Orbán 16’ (assist: Nusa), 1-1 Hložek 17’ (assist: Prass), 1-2 Nusa 19’ (assist: Openda), 2-2 Bischof 50’, 2-3 Nsoki 67’ (OG), 3-3 Hložek 82‘ (assist: Bruun Larsen), 4-3 Bruun Larsen 87‘ (assist: Stach)

The PreZero Arena witnessed a pulsating encounter as TSG Hoffenheim marked Christian Ilzer's managerial debut with a stunning 4-3 victory over RB Leipzig. The match, brimming with drama and goals, saw Hoffenheim come from behind three times before snatching a late winner. Ilzer's bold decision to switch to a back four paid dividends as the hosts displayed remarkable resilience and attacking prowess to overcome a strong Leipzig side.

Adam Hložek fires home the first of his two goals, showcasing his clinical finishing as he draws his side level for the first time against Leipzig. - Helge Prang

First-half fireworks

The match exploded into life in the 15th minute when Willi Orbán put Leipzig ahead, sliding in to convert Antonio Nusa's cross. However, Hoffenheim's response was swift and emphatic. Just two minutes later, Adam Hložek levelled the scoring, controlling a pass from Alexander Prass before firing into the net. The breathless opening continued as Antonio Nusa restored Leipzig's lead in the 19th minute with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box, leaving Oliver Baumann with no chance. Despite Hoffenheim's dominance in possession, Leipzig held onto their 2-1 lead at half-time.

Captain Willi Orbán and Antonio Nusa celebrate after combining for Leipzig's opening goal. - Helge Prang

Hoffenheim's relentless pursuit

The second half saw Hoffenheim emerge with renewed determination. Their efforts were rewarded in the 50th minute when Tom Bischof scored his first senior goal for the club, curling a magnificent free-kick past Péter Gulácsi. Leipzig, however, weren't done yet. In the 67th minute, they regained the lead through an unfortunate Stanley Nsoki own goal. But Hoffenheim's spirit remained unbroken. Hložek struck again in the 82nd minute, expertly finishing after good work from substitute Jacob Bruun Larsen to level the scores once more.

Tom Bischof celebrates his first senior goal for Hoffenheim, curling in a crucial equaliser from a free-kick to draw his side level for the second time in the match against Leipzig. - IMAGO/Oliver Zimmermann

Super-sub seals the deal

With the match poised on a knife-edge, it was Bruun Larsen who emerged as the hero for Hoffenheim. The Danish winger, introduced as a substitute in the 81st minute, made an immediate impact by assisting Hložek's equaliser. But Bruun Larsen saved his best for last, rising highest in the 87th minute to head home Anton Stach's cross and send the PreZero Arena into raptures. The dramatic winner not only secured a memorable victory for Hoffenheim but also handed Christian Ilzer a dream start to his tenure as manager.

Jacob Bruun Larsen celebrates his late winner, capping off Hoffenheim's thrilling comeback. - Helge Prang

Player of the Match: Adam Hložek

While Bruun Larsen's late heroics stole the headlines, it was Hložek who truly stood out as the match's most influential player. The Czech forward was a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes, scoring twice and playing a crucial role in Hoffenheim's comeback. Hložek's first goal, a composed finish in the 17th minute, set the tone for Hoffenheim's resilience. His second, an expertly taken shot in the 82nd minute, was vital in setting up the dramatic finale. Beyond his goals, Hložek's overall play was impressive, registering the most shots (7) in the match and consistently troubling the Leipzig defence.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 2.14 - Leipzig 1.36
Fastest player: Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig), 34.97 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 6.93 percent
Most pressed player: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Pavel Kadeřábek (Hoffenheim), +4.02