On the occasion of their 125th anniversary, Dino Toppmöller’s Frankfurt demonstrated resilience by overcoming an in-form Hoffenheim, securing a 3-1 victory this afternoon. The visitors under Matarazzo’s leadership faced further setbacks with the issuance of two red cards during the match.
The game commenced with a rapid pace, seeing Hoffenheim seize an early lead within six minutes. Anton Stach delivered a precise corner kick, allowing John Anthony Brooks to outmaneuver Koch and score with a powerful header past Trapp. However, Brooks’ fortunes reversed swiftly in the 22nd minute when he fouled Marmoush as the latter advanced towards the goal, prompting referee Bastian Dankert to promptly brandish a red card.
Prior to gaining numerical superiority, Die Adler had exerted considerable pressure in pursuit of an equalizer, a momentum that intensified following the expulsion. Opportunities arose for Larsson, Dina-Ebimbe, and Chaïbi, but TSG’s defense held firm until the 32nd minute, when Nkounkou supplied Marmoush, who in turn set up Koch for a composed finish.
The second half saw Die Adler complete their comeback within five minutes. Exploiting an errant pass by Kramarić, Marmoush capitalized and assisted Mario Götze, who then found Dina-Ebimbe for a header into the left corner. Toppmöller’s team asserted dominance further with a third goal in the 64th minute, as substitute Knauff provided an assist for Götze to score comfortably.
As the game progressed, Hoffenheim’s woes compounded, culminating in Ozan Kabak’s expulsion for a second yellow-card offense, as he fouled Ekitiké. Consequently, Hoffenheim now trail Frankfurt, situated in sixth place, by a margin of seven points.