TSG claim clear win in Leverkusen

Personnel and tactics

Julian Nagelsmann made eight changes to the starting line-up that lost 2-0 at RB Leipzig in the DFB Cup. Oliver Baumann returned between the sticks, while Kevin Akpoguma, Kevin Vogt and Kasim Adams formed the three-man defensive rearguard. The central midfield trio was comprised of Havard Nordtveit, Florian Grillitsch and Vincenzo Grifo − none of whom started in Saxony in midweek.

Pavel Kaderabek returned to his usual place at right wing-back, with Nico Schulz occupying the opposite flank. Reiss Nelson and Joelinton began up front as the centre-forward partnership.

An injury forced Vogt off early in the second half and he was replaced by Ermin Bicakcic on the 59-minute mark. Ishal Beldofil replaced goalscorer Nelson five minutes later, before Grifo made way for Leonardo Bittencourt once the visitors were in an unassailable 4-1 lead (78).

Moment of the match

The opening goal: Reiss Nelson fired TSG into the lead with a dream goal following a shortly-taken corner. It was the 18-year-old's fifth goal of the campaign.

Number of the game: 3

The 4-1 victory at Bayer Leverkusen was Hoffenheim's third consecutive away win in the Bundesliga, following the 3-1 triumphs in Hanover and Nuremberg. That's a first in the club's history.

Match facts and statistics »