With a 4-2 (2-1) win against Union Berlin on Saturday (May 20th, 2023), TSG Hoffenheim made it almost perfect to stay up in the Bundesliga. The goals for Hoffenheim were scored by Ihlas Bebou (22′), double packer Andrej Kramaric from the penalty spot (36′). Kramaric and Munas Dabbur (90th/90th + 8th) made the final score again. Union’s Danilho Doekhi (45′) and Aissa Laidouni (90′ + 4) shortened twice.
Hoffenheim now has 35 points and is four points ahead of the relegation rank before the last matchday. The hosts jumped up to 13th place in the table. Even if Stuttgart won on Sunday, it would be three points and 24 goals ahead – that’s almost impossible to gamble away.
Union Berlin has to fight for the Champions League until the last matchday. The Berliners are currently in fourth place with 59 points, tied with SC Freiburg in fifth place.
Unions Leite helps TSG take the lead
Both teams started cautiously, the teams were solid on defense. So nothing dangerous happened until the 22nd minute – then Union Berlin helped the TSG lead properly: Diego Leite headed back to goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow far too short. Bebou splashed in between, rounded goalkeeper Rönnow and shot in to make it 1-0.
Ten minutes before the break, referee Christian Dingert was in focus. After studying the video, the referee decided on a penalty for Hoffenheim: Leite had stopped Christoph Baumgartner – a controversial decision. Kramaric didn’t care, he converted for sure. Just before the break, Union struck from a corner when Doekhi headed in for the connection.
Kramaric decides the game
After the break, Union took control of the game. The Berliners tried to build up pressure while the hosts counterattacked. Sheraldo Becker missed several opportunities to equalize (55th/63rd).
After that, hardly anything happened for a long time, TSG cleverly defended the already rather weak attacking efforts of the Unioner. Shortly before the end, substitute Dabbur dribbled into the penalty area and served Kramaric in an exemplary manner. Laidouni shortened again, Dabbur finally got the final score with the last counterattack.
Hoffenheim visiting Stuttgart
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim concludes the season away in Stuttgart (Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). At the same time, Union Berlin receives SV Werder Bremen.