Five-star Hoffenheim stun HSV

One day after the five-year anniversary of Hoffenheim's first game in the Bundesliga, TSG were looking to repeat that day's successful 3-0 away win in their trip to Hamburger SV. There was already something to celebrate before kick-off for Markus Gisdol, who made two changes to his side on the day that marked his 44th birthday; Sejad Salihovic started in the injured Sebastian Rudy's absence, while Fabian Johnson returned to the starting line-up in place of Stefan Thesker.

The players didn't hang about trying to make the day even more special for manager Gisdol either, taking the lead after just five minutes of play. Johnson did what he does best, advancing up the left wing and delivering a pin-point cross for Roberto Firmino, whose job of heading the ball in was easy. HSV responded quickly at the other end as Koen Casteels made a rather comfortable save from Calhanoglu's bicycle kick. It was a rare attack for Hamburg in a half that saw TSG have the much better chances. Anthony Modeste was proving a danger on the break, forcing Rene Adler into a good save in the 12th minute and having another effort deflected behind by Heiko Westermann quarter of an hour later.

Hoffenheim almost did double their advantage shortly before the break when Firmino's shot looped off a defender and landed just wide of the post, but instead it was Hamburg who had the final say before half time. A cross into the box was inadvertently handled by Tarik Elyounoussi as he was running back to defend it and referee Günter Perl pointed to the spot. Former Spurs man Rafael van der Vaart stepped up to score his second penalty in two games and make the scoreline 1-1 at the break.

Floodgates open

Whatever Markus had said at the start of the game, he must have repeated during the interval. His side came out and once again took the lead after just five minutes of play. Kevin Volland held his run perfectly to latch onto a pass into the box and drill a low shot underneath the HSV keeper. Just like in the first half, Thorsten Fink's side were failing to string enough passes together to create a decent chance. Instead, Hoffenheim's ball-winning ability in midfield meant they were the side threatening to score. Modeste thought he'd added to his goal last week in the 65th minute but was narrowly ruled offside just as he slid the ball past Adler and into the net.

Moments later though, the Frenchman did get his goal. Hoffenheim were helped as Lasse Sobiech lazily batted a cross back to Firmino, whose second attempt was volleyed in at the near post by Modeste. At 3-1, the hosts looked beaten and the floodgates opened. Modeste grabbed a second in the 75th minute with an easy side-footed finish from Firmino's pull back to give Hoffenheim their fourth, followed by a fifth soon after when the Brazilian also completed his brace, firing into the bottom corner past a tired Adler.

The referee put HSV out of their misery soon after the 90 minutes ticked over as Hoffenheim claimed a phenomenal 5-1 away win against a side who impressed so much in their 3-3 draw with Schalke last week. A superb counterattacking display is the perfect gift for birthday boy Markus Gisdol as his side picked up a deserved three points in Hamburg. Next week, Hoffenheim will look to claim their first home win as they welcome Europa League participants SC Freiburg to the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

Matt Hardy

Hamburger SV: Adler – Diekmeier, Sobiech, Westermann, Jansen (76' Aogo) – Badelj (63' Rudnevs), Arslan – Beister, van der Vaart (84' Jiracek), Zoua – Calhanoglu

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Casteels – Beck, Abraham, Vestergaard, Johnson – Polanski, Salihovic (62' Strobl) – Volland (83' Herdling), Firmino, Elyounoussi – Modeste (80' Schipplock)

Goals: 0-1 Firmino (5'), 1-1 van der Vaart (44' pen.), 1-2 Volland (51'), 1-3 Modeste (68'), 1-4 Modeste (75'), 1-5 Firmino (78')

Yellow cards: Diekmeier, Arslan – Elyounoussi, Polanski

Referee: Günter Perl

Attendance: 47,483

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