Hoffenheim vs Tottenham Report

Scorers: Stach 68’, Mokwa Ntusu 88’; Maddison 3’, Son 22’ 77’

Tottenham Hotspur kept their UEFA Europa League (UEL) ambitions on track with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena.

Ange Postecoglou’s side capitalised on their opportunities to secure a vital win, leaving Hoffenheim needing a miracle to progress from the league phase.

First Half: Spurs Set the Tempo

Spurs began on the front foot, with James Maddison showcasing his class to break the deadlock in the 11th minute.

A pinpoint long ball from Pedro Porro found the playmaker, whose exquisite first touch set him up for a composed finish past Oliver Baumann. Maddison’s influence was pivotal throughout the half, as Tottenham sought to assert their dominance.

Pedro Porro squandered a golden chance to double the lead shortly after, firing wide from a promising position. However, Son Heung-min ensured Spurs capitalised on their momentum, doubling the advantage with a deflected strike in the 25th minute following a swift counterattack.

Hoffenheim struggled to find a foothold in the opening stages but grew into the game as the half progressed.

Brandon Austin, making his European debut for Spurs, was called into action with fine saves to deny Tom Bischof and Max Moerstedt. On the stroke of HT, Baumann matched his counterpart with an excellent stop to deny Lucas Bergvall, keeping Hoffenheim in the contest.

Second Half: Hoffenheim Fight Back

Needing a spark to save their UEL campaign, Hoffenheim nearly halved the deficit shortly after the restart when Andrej Kramarić’s looping header struck the crossbar.

The hosts maintained their momentum, creating several chances, including Bischof’s effort that narrowly missed the target.

Drama ensued when Hoffenheim were awarded a penalty after Austin’s challenge on a surging attacker. However, referee Morten Krogh overturned the decision following a VAR review, determining the goalkeeper had played the ball first.

The reprieve was short-lived, as Hoffenheim capitalised on a counterattack moments later, with Anton Stach turning in a low cross to make it 2-1.

Final Stages: Spurs Hold On

With Hoffenheim threatening a comeback, Son Heung-min restored Tottenham’s two-goal cushion in the 77th minute. The South Korean latched onto a loose ball after a turnover in midfield and fired a clinical effort into the bottom corner.

The drama wasn’t over, as Hoffenheim’s David Mokwa rose highest to head home late on, setting up a nervy finale. Despite the late scare, Spurs held firm to secure all three points, taking a significant step toward the last 16.

What’s Next?

• Tottenham: A point against IF Elfsborg in their final league phase game will secure automatic qualification to the last 16. However, Postecoglou will be wary of his side’s defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their domestic commitments.
• Hoffenheim: Their UEL hopes hang by a thread, with progression dependent on both a win in their final match and favourable results elsewhere.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Hoffenheim vs Tottenham | UEFA Europa League 2024/25