1:3! Penalty knockout for Hertha in Hoffenheim

Hertha keeper Oliver Christensen on the ground, Hoffenheim turns to celebrate after Andrej Kramaric's penalty

Hertha keeper Oliver Christensen on the ground, Hoffenheim turns to celebrate after Andrej Kramaric’s penalty Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa

By Erik Peters and Roberto Lamprecht

Hertha BSC lost the basement duel against Hoffenheim away with 1:3. Two penalties paved the way for the hosts to win.

Hertha goes down in the Bundesliga relegation summit with 1: 3 at Hoffenheim. It is the eighth away bankruptcy in a row for the team coached by Sandro Schwarz (44).

Scaredy-cat football, defensive chaos, refusal to attack: Hertha showed a catastrophic performance in Hoffenheim.

Hertha's Lucas Tousart in a header duel with Hoffenheim's Robert Skov

Hertha’s Lucas Tousart in a header duel with Hoffenheim’s Robert Skov Photo: REUTERS/Heiko Becker

Man of the match: Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramaric (31). The Croatian was only on the bench in the 1-2 draw in Freiburg last matchday due to poor form. Against Hertha he plays with anger in his stomach.

▶ 22nd minute: Ex-Berliner Brooks heads the ball to Hertha-Sechser Cigerci in the penalty area. A clear penalty. Kramaric casually converts into the middle (24th). Hoffenheim’s first lead ever under Matarazzo!

Andrej Kramaric made it 1-0 for Hoffenheim against Hertha keeper Oliver Christensen

Andrej Kramaric made it 1-0 for Hoffenheim against Hertha keeper Oliver Christensen Photo: REUTERS/Heiko Becker

▶ 36 minutes: Uremovic clumsily knocks Bebou off his feet – another penalty for Hoffenheim. Already the third penalty caused by the Hertha central defender this season. Kramaric steps up and puts together a brace (38′).

Kramaric is the Hertha killer!

Kramaric again, back in!  Hoffenheim made it 2-0 for TSG against Hertha

Kramaric again, back in! Hoffenheim made it 2-0 for TSG against Hertha Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa

For Matarazzo it is his first (!) win in six games as Hoffenheim coach. There was a duty to win against Hertha, otherwise he would have lost his job again.

Bebou finally pulls the plug on the guests (51st).

Ihlas Bebou scored 3-0 for Hoffenheim against Hertha

Ihlas Bebou scored 3-0 for Hoffenheim against Hertha Photo: REUTERS/Heiko Becker

Hoffenheim’s Dabbur still gets red for an ankle kick against Lukebakio (71′). Jovetic with result correction (90th + 3).

Subjects:

Andrej Kramaric Filip Uremovic Sandro Schwarz Stevan Jovetic Tolga Cigerci TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

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