bundesliga

Adam Hložek propels Hoffenheim to crucial victory over Holstein Kiel

18.01.2025

Adam Hložek scored twice as Hoffenheim secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Holstein Kiel at the Holstein-Stadion, a result which moves them three points clear of the bottom three.

Holstein Kiel 1-3 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Hložek 27', 0-2 Kramarić (45'+1), 0-3 Hložek 56' (assist: Bischof), 1-3 Kelati 84' (assist: Javorček)

In a proverbial relegation six-pointer, Hoffenheim arrived in Kiel with the two teams separated by just three points in the table. The visitors were looking to bounce back from their 5-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in midweek, while Kiel were eager to build on their 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer made three changes to his side, notably giving young striker Max Moerstedt his second Bundesliga start. Kiel's Marcel Rapp, facing his former club, made just one alteration to his previous line-up, with Max Geschwill replacing Marco Komenda.

Adam Hložek of TSG Hoffenheim shields the ball from Holstein Kiel's Magnus Knudsen, showcasing the intense midfield battle - Stuart Franklin

Hoffenheim take control

Hoffenheim started the match with intent, creating early chances, and their pressure paid off in the 26th minute when Hložek broke the deadlock. The visitors continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded again on the stroke of half-time. Kramarić was the goalscorer, burying the ball into the corner past Timon Weiner.

Adam Hložek celebrates his opening goal with TSG Hoffenheim teammates, showcasing their joy and team spirit - Stuart Franklin

Hložek seals the deal

Kiel came out fighting in the second half, with Shuto Machino narrowly missing the target early on. However, Hoffenheim's quality shone through once again shortly before the hour mark, as Hložek produced a moment of magic, rifling a shot from outside the box into the far corner. The match took an unusual turn when referee Felix Brych had to be replaced due to injury, with fourth official Sven Jablonski taking over in the 66th minute. Kiel made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Armin Gigović, Fiete Arp, and Andu Kelati in an attempt to change the game, and the latter reduced the deficit against his former club in the final 10 minutes. That effort, though, was too little, too late as Hoffenheim held on to secure the three points.

Alexander Bernhardsson of Holstein Kiel under pressure from TSG Hoffenheim's Alexander Prass, illustrating the competitive nature of the match - Stuart Franklin

Player of the Match: Adam Hložek

Hložek was the standout performer in this crucial encounter. The Czech forward's brace was instrumental in Hoffenheim's victory, with both goals showcasing his clinical finishing. His first goal set the tone for the match, while his second - a spectacular long-range effort - effectively sealed the win for the visitors. Beyond his goals, Hložek's overall play caused constant problems for the Kiel defence. His performance earned him the highest fantasy manager points (313) of any player in the match, underlining his significant impact on the game.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Holstein Kiel 1.1 - Hoffenheim 0.99
Fastest player: Magnus Nordengen Knudsen (Kiel), 33.41 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), 3.65 percent
Most pressed player: Phil Harres (Kiel), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Finn Becker (Hoffenheim), +2.64

Fantasy Heroes: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim, 313 Points), Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim, 301 Points), Valentin Gendrey (Hoffenheim, 185 Points)