TSG Hoffenheim won their home game in the women’s Bundesliga against 1. FC Köln. A strong first half was enough for the Kraichgauer women.
The Hoffenheim team ultimately deservedly won 6:2 (4:1) against a visiting team from Cologne that was overwhelmed, especially in the first half. Marie Steiner had already given TSG the lead in the second minute, and Selina Cerci increased the score to 2-0 five minutes later (7th minute). Lydia Andrade scored in the 10th minute before Nikée van Dijk and Cerci again restored the score at half-time. Sandra Maria Jessen’s goal to make it 2-4 from Cologne’s perspective was not enough to catch up (50′). Cerci with her third goal and Janna Grimm made the final score (89./90.+4).
After just two minutes the ball was in the net for the first time. The declared goal of keeping up with the international places in the women’s Bundesliga with a win was felt by the Hoffenheim team right from the start. After a one-two between Cerci and Steiner, the latter took the early lead (2nd). Just a little later, the TSG players celebrated again.
After a bad pass from Cologne in the build-up game, Van Dijk reacted quickly and sent Cerci on his way with a through pass, who, completely left alone by the Cologne backline, didn’t let her chance be taken away in a one-on-one and shot in ice-cold. However: The hit shouldn’t have counted. Cerci was offside at the moment of the pass.
Stranger Connection hit for Cologne
Cologne initially seemed completely overwhelmed in these opening minutes, but then came back into the game in a strange and completely surprising way: After a back pass to Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Laura Dick, she underestimated the running Andrade in her own penalty area, Dick’s hasty attempt to clear the ball bounced off the Cologne player’s legs and into the goal (10th). The goal in the crazy opening minutes in Kraichgau.
But instead of stabilizing the game through the connection, Cologne continued to make hair-raising mistakes in the build-up game. An unsuccessful back pass from Vogt made it 3-1 in the 19th minute, which Nikée van Dijk confidently completed after an assist from Cerci. TSG didn’t let up and made it 4-1 in the 41st minute with a perfectly executed attack – Van Dijk fed Janssens, who passed it across to Cerci, and the international player slotted in effortlessly. The 4:1 was also the score at halftime. With her second goal of the evening, Cerci also took the lead in the top scorers list.
Cologne is coming out of the break better
After the break, the Cologne team initially appeared more alert, attacked high and tried to force the hosts to make mistakes. After 50 minutes played, Cologne rewarded themselves for their newfound courage: After a cross from Vogt, the ball landed at the feet of Sandra Jessen, who took full risk from 13 meters – her shot landed in the top right corner of the goal. Only 2:4.
As a result, TSG Hoffenheim regained control of the game over long periods of possession. Nevertheless, it took until the 65th minute before the Kraichgau women were able to pose any danger again. But Cerci aimed past the goal. Three minutes later, another shot from the national player hit the crossbar (68′). In the 74th minute, Cologne could have scored again, but Zeller’s shot didn’t find the goal.
Cerci with a hat-trick for Hoffenheim
In the 90th minute Cerci was allowed again. After a solo run down the left side, the striker rounded the Cologne goalkeeper Lisa Schmitz and scored to make it 5-2. In stoppage time, Janna Grimm marked the final score with her goal to make it 6-2.
With the win, Hoffenheim climbs back to fourth place in the table and remains within striking distance of third place, which qualifies for the Champions League. The Cologne women remain in eighth place. Next week, TSG Hoffenheim will face leaders Bayern Munich away (May 6th, 6:00 p.m.). Cologne welcomes Werder Bremen (May 2nd, 1:00 p.m.).
