Hoffenheim edge past Werder to set up blockbuster final day in race for the top four
Hoffenheim edge past Werder to set up blockbuster final day in race for the top four An early red card for Bremen completely altered the complexion of the contest, with Christian Ilzer’s side making their numerical advantage count to secure a hard-fought win in their final home game of the season at the PreZero Arena. The visitors endured a nightmare start when Yukinari Sugawara lunged into a heavy challenge on Bazoumana Touré inside the opening stages. Referee Daniel Schlager was advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor and, following a VAR check, Werder were reduced to ten men after just five minutes, leaving Daniel Thioune’s side facing an enormous task.
Hoffenheim immediately looked to capitalise on their advantage and began piling pressure on the Bremen back line. Their breakthrough arrived after 26 minutes, with Touré once again at the centre of the action. A quickly taken corner caught the visitors off guard before Andrej Kramarić drilled a low delivery into the area, allowing the Ivorian to slip in behind the static defence and guide his finish into the far corner for 1-0.
Despite being a man down, Bremen continued to push forward bravely in search of a potentially vital equaliser in their fight for survival. Oliver Baumann was forced into an excellent save from Olivier Deman shortly after the half-hour mark, while Senne Lynen could only drag the rebound wide after latching onto the loose ball. Hoffenheim nearly doubled their lead within seconds of the restart.
Vladimir Coufal whipped in a trademark delivery towards the back post where Tim Lemperle arrived unmarked, but the forward could only direct his header agonisingly wide. Werder responded with a huge opportunity of their own moments later. Deman threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Justin Njinmah, sending the forward clear on goal with only Baumann to beat.
However, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper stood firm and denied the effort with an important save to preserve his side’s advantage. As the game entered its closing stages, Hoffenheim remained vulnerable with only a single-goal cushion and Bremen sensed there may still be a route back into the match. Tensions rose further two minutes from time when the visitors appealed strongly for a penalty after a suspected handball from Robin Hranáč inside the area.