Hoffenheim suffered a 3-1 defeat away to SC Paderborn 07 on matchday four of the Bundesliga. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Christian Ilzer's side conceded three goals in a frustrating afternoon.
The visitors started brightly but Paderborn struck first. Santiago Castaneda put the hosts ahead in the 29th minute. Stefano Marino doubled the lead just before half-time, assisted by Laurin Curda. Hoffenheim responded after the break. Adam Daghim pulled a goal back in the 50th minute, set up by Max Moerstedt. The hope of a comeback was short-lived. Substitute Steffen Tigges sealed the win for Paderborn in the 69th minute, finishing a pass from Jonah Sticker.
Hoffenheim controlled the game with 66% possession and 23 shots, but only two were on target. Paderborn, with just 34% possession and 13 attempts, were clinical, putting five on target and scoring three. Wouter Burger received a yellow card in first-half stoppage time. Ilzer made five changes in the second period, including Albian Hajdari for the injured Mats Rots at half-time.
The loss is a setback in the early season. Hoffenheim remain 13th in the standings with three points from three games and have now lost two in a row. The next chance for points comes on October 10th at home against 15th-placed Hamburger SV.
