Three scorers, three points – TSG back to winning ways

It was a game between the two leakiest defences in the Bundesliga, and visitors Hamburger SV were keen to get their revenge for the 5-1 thrashing that hosts TSG 1899 Hoffenheim handed to them on matchday two. With five changes to the side, and seemingly a 4-3-3 formation, Markus Gisdol's men started the better of the two. Herdling's free-kick tested Drobny, but the HSV goalkeeper was soon picking the ball out of his net. A blistering counterattack led by Kevin Volland was finished by Roberto Firmino's low strike through Jaroslav Drobny's legs and Hoffenheim were 1-0 up.

After Abraham missed the chance to double that lead with a header from a Salihovic corner, Hoffenheim took their foot off the gas. HSV continued to struggle but after a lapse from defender Niklas Süle, Jacques Zoua might have troubled Koen Casteels had his first touch been better. The pace of the first half slowed in comparison with the opening ten minutes but, after handling the visitors unthreatening possession, Hoffenheim did find their second goal and at a perfect time too. Salihovic hung up a perfect cross for Süle to nod in at the back post.

TSG make HSV pay

Two goals down and playing poorly, Hamburg were expected to come out and be more aggressive. However, the opening quarter of an hour passed without much note as TSG sat comfortably on their lead. Then, almost at will, another good run and pass by Volland found Firmino and the Brazilian's low cross was tapped in by captain Andi Beck to make sure of the result.

The visitors' first shot came when Lam's header went over the bar inside the last 20 minutes. With the game opening up a bit again, Volland was denied by Drobny before Arslan's long-range effort flew wide of the goal. But the game had long been decided and next weekend's opponents Freiburg will be have to beware. Hoffenheim have found their rhythm again after this home win and are back inside the top 10, exactly where they want to be.

Jonathan Harding

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Casteels – Beck, Süle, Abraham, Salihovic (85' Hamad) – Polanski, Rudy (90' Vestergaard), Strobl – Volland, Firmino, Herdling (87' Elyounoussi)

Hamburger SV: Drobny – Diekmeier, Westermann, Tah, Lam – Bouy (73' Arslan), Badelj – Zoua, van der Vaart, Calhanoglu - John (57' Ilicevic)

Goals: 1-0 Firmino (‘4), 2-0 Süle (44'), 3-0 Beck (60')

Yellow cards: Badelj, Referee: Günter Perl, Attendance: 25,000

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