Early lead cancelled out | OneFootball

SVW were left empty-handed after a 3-1 defeat at home (Photo: W.DE).

Match report following 3-1 defeat at home vs. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

SV Werder Bremen fell to a 3-1 defeat at home against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Sunday afternoon. Despite being given an early lead courtesy of an own goal from TSG's Stanley Nsoki (7'), the visitors were able to turn the game around in the first half thanks to goals from Anton Stach (28') and Tom Bischof (44'). The Green-Whites came out of the half-time break motivated and had chances to get back into the game, before Gift Orban netted a third for TSG (63'). In the end, they were unable to make the most of their chances and had to watch as the visitors took all three points home with them from Bremen.

Line-up and formation: Head coach Ole Werner made four changes to his side following last weekend's 4-0 defeat in Munich. Niklas Stark, Issa Kaboré, Romano Schmid and Leonardo Bittencourt all came into the team in place of Amos Pieper, Derrick Köhn, Jens Stage and Justin Njinmah.

Starting line-up: Zetterer - Veljkovic, Stark, Jung - Weiser, Lynen, Kaboré- Bittencourt, Schmid – Grüll and Ducksch.

Subs: Backhaus - Pieper, Silva, Njinmah, Burke, Köhn, Malatini, Agu and Alvero.

Hoffenheim turn the game around before the break

SVW benefited from an own goal early on (Photo: WERDER.DE).

First-half highlights:

7th minute: Werder lead! Romano Schmid sends a cross into the box from the left-hand side that's meant for Marco Grüll, but instead, it's TSG's Stanley Nsoki who heads the ball into his own net.

26th minute: Hoffenheim continue to search for an equaliser, as Andrej Kramaric forces Michael Zetterer to make a strong save to deny the Croat on the volley.

28th minute: Hoffenheim draw level. Stach finds space in the centre of the pitch to dribble forward, regaining possession after a quick give-and-go. The midfielder is then able to slot home from the top of the box, with Zetterer unable to prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net.

40th minute: Another good chance for Werder to retake the lead. Schmid is able to link up with Mitchell Weiser as they work the ball up the pitch. It then comes to Marvin Ducksch, who looks to place his shot in at the right post, but a TSG defender is able to slide in to block his attempt.

44th minute: Hoffenheim take the lead. Once again, the visitors are able to work their way though midfield before Tom Bischof finishes a low shot from the top of the box.

Werder unable to retake the lead

Senne Lynen had a chance to get Werder back into the game (Photo: WERDER.DE).

Second-half highlights:

50th minute: Following a free kick, Stark is able to redirect the ball towards goal. Goalkeeper Luca Philipp is able to scoop it up, with Hoffenheim nearly managing to score again on the resulting counter-attack. Fortunately, Zetterer is able to get his foot out just in time to block Marius Bülter's shot.

61st minute: Werder go close again! This time, it's Weiser that's able to break down the left side and get on the end of a cross inside the box. He's able to get in front of his marker, but just misses getting a foot to the ball.

63rd minute: Hoffenheim take a 3-1 lead. After losing possession during the build-up, TSG are able to deliver a cross into the box. Gift Orban is there to meet it, heading in TSG's third goal of the afternoon.

75th minute: Weiser's cross finds Lynen, who looks to hit it first time on the volley. His attempt goes wide of the target.

85th minute: Another good opportunity for the hosts! Philipp comes out to intercept the ball before Werder are awarded a free kick from 18 meters out. The goalkeeper is also equal to this effort.

90th minute +4: Full time. Werder fall to a 3-1 defeat against Hoffenheim.

Summary: Despite taking an early lead, Werder were unable to match Hoffenheim's clinical finishing. The Green-Whites continued to create chances for themselves, but lacked the precision needed to make the most of them.