Hoffenheim ended their losing streak and secured their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The result lifted TSG from 17th to 14th place in the Bundesliga table, halting a run of four consecutive defeats. This win on Saturday 17 October was desperately needed, as the team had been sitting 17th with just three points from five games.
Bambasé Conté put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute. Before the break, Fisnik Asllani hit the crossbar with a free kick. After half-time, 17-year-old Wael Mohya equalised for Gladbach, but Alexander Prass restored Hoffenheim's lead in the 54th minute. The win was much-needed for Pellegrino Matarazzo's side, who had started the day in the relegation zone with just three points from five games. It broke a recent run of one win and four losses from their last five matches.
Gladbach's Crisis Continues
For bottom-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach, this was a sixth defeat from six matches to start the season. It was also new coach Alexander Blessin's second loss in charge. "We have to keep going. I know it's hard for everyone at Borussia, but we just have to keep going and work for the points," said defender Kevin Diks afterwards. Gladbach have now matched an unwanted record, becoming only the fourth team in Bundesliga history to lose their first six matches without a point.
Key Moments
Hoffenheim goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas secured the victory late on with two key saves against Adam Hlozek in the 59th and 63rd minutes. At the other end, Joe Scally had a late chance to equalise for the hosts in the 86th minute. TSG showed a more solid defensive performance and effectively weathered Gladbach's period of pressure in the second half.
With six points now, Hoffenheim have created a small buffer above the direct relegation places. The team has scored nine goals this season but has also conceded 13, resulting in a goal difference of minus four. The gap to leaders Bayern Munich remains eleven points. Attention now turns to the next tough fixture at home. On Sunday 25 October, TSG host Bayer Leverkusen, who currently sit fourth.
This story first appeared at welt.de
