PLAYER RATINGS | Hoffenheim 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen – Ilzer’s side win six in a row at home | OneFootball

Hoffenheim extended their winning streak at the PreZero Arena to six courtesy of Wouter Burger’s free-kick as TSG continued their excellent transformation under Christian Ilzer.

Successive defeats for Bayer Leverkusen leaves Kasper Hjumand’s side clinching onto sixth, although they have a game in hand after their Matchday 17 fixture against Hamburg was called off.

Hoffenheim take early lead

Burger struck his fourth Bundesliga goal of the season in the ninth minute, his inswinging free-kick from the right evading everyone and it didn’t take long for Hoffenheim to register their next shots on target, with Mark Flekken denying Fisnik Asllani moments later before TSG’s No. 11 forced the Dutchman into another save inside 15 minutes.

Despite Leverkusen’s possession, they looked devoid of ideas in attack despite the return of Ernest Poku and Patrik Schick following their Matchday 17 defeat against Stuttgart.

Flekken was kept busy, staying alert to deny Alexander Prass’ long-range effort in the 36th minute before Andrej Kramarić fired over minutes later. Leon Avdullahu then tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area but was unable to double Hoffenheim’s lead heading into the break.

Leverkusen couldn’t find a breakthrough

Much like the first-half, Flekken was called into action early, denying Burger and Vladimir Coufal early after the restart, but the Dutchman had to be replaced on the hour mark after hurting himself – a huge blow for Die Werkself who gave Janis Blaswich his debut since joining the club in the summer.

It was, though, Oliver Baumann who was called into action, denying Alejandro Grimaldo’s trademark free-kick before Schick fired over the rebound from close range.

Despite the introductions of Ibrahim Maza, Christian Kofane and Jonas Hofmann, Leverkusen were unable to find a breakthrough as Hoffenheim’s excellent run continued.

Hoffenheim 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings

Hoffenheim: Oliver Baumann (6) – Vladimir Coufal (7), Robin Hranáč (6), Albian Hajdari (7), Bernardo (6) – Leon Avdullahu (7), Wouter Burger (8) – Andrej Kramarić (6), Fisnik Asllani (6), Alexander Prass (7) – Tim Lemperle (6)

Other: Grischa Prömel (-), Valentin Gendrey (-), Max Moerstedt (-), Ilhas Bebou (-)

Bayer Leverkusen: Mark Flekken (6) – Robert Andrich (5), Loïc Badé (6), Jarrell Quansah (6) – Arthur (4), Equi Fernández (4), Aleix García (5), Alejandro Grimaldo (6) – Malik Tillman (4), Patrik Schick (5), Ernest Poku (5)

Other: Ibrahim Maza (5), Christian Kofane (5), Janis Blaswich (-), Nathan Tella (-)

GGFN Player of the Match: Wouter Burger (8)

The Dutchman has been an absolute steal at €4m since his arrival from Stoke City in July, and that was arguably, the 24-year-old’s best performance this term. Netting his fourth Bundesliga goal, Burger controlled the central positions and was influential both defensively and offensively. His 5 chances created was the most of any player on both teams, while he was also on hand to clear the ball on four occasions, while recovering possession five times. Burger was influential in TSG’s victory.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder