Hoffenheim Dominates Freiburg in 3-0 Victory

Photo credit: TSG Hoffenheim

TSG Hoffenheim claimed a commanding 3-0 win in the Baden derby against SC Freiburg, avenging their defeat in the first leg. With this victory, Hoffenheim overtakes Freiburg in the league standings and moves up to fifth place.

Lineups

SC Freiburg lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The two central midfielders, Meret Felde and Annie Karich, provided flexibility in the build-up play, while wingers Cora Zicai and Selina Vobian aimed to create quick attacks down the flanks.

Hoffenheim opted for a classic 4-4-2 system. The two defensive lines of four were designed to limit space for the opposition and prevent passes into dangerous areas. Julia Hickelsberger took up the right-wing position, while Dominika Grabowska replaced Erëleta Memeti on the left. In defense, Jill Janssens stepped in as right-back for the ill Chiara Hahn. Up front, Féli Delacauw started in place of Selina Cerci alongside Melissa Kössler. Hoffenheim’s approach focused on high pressing and fast transitions to put Freiburg under pressure.

First Half

After a frantic opening phase, Hoffenheim took the lead in the 16th minute. Jana Feldkamp played a long ball into the path of Jill Janssens, who cut inside from the right and struck the ball from a tight angle into the near corner.

Just two minutes later, Hoffenheim had a great opportunity to extend their lead. Freiburg’s goalkeeper, Rafaela Borggräfe, misplaced a pass directly to Vanessa Diehm, but the Hoffenheim player rushed her shot from the edge of the box, sending it off target.

Freiburg’s first significant chance came in the 36th minute. A misplaced pass slipped through Hoffenheim’s defense, allowing young talent Cora Zicai to intercept the ball. She dribbled past goalkeeper Laura Dick, but from a tight angle, she could only hit the right post.

Second Half

Hoffenheim continued to dominate after the break. In the 50th minute, Lisa Doorn won possession and set up Melissa Kössler, but her shot from the edge of the box was too central, allowing Borggräfe to make an easy save.

Just five minutes later, Jill Janssens doubled Hoffenheim’s lead. Marta Cazalla sent the speedy Belgian down the right wing, and once again, Janssens went for goal herself. Borggräfe got a hand to the shot but couldn’t prevent it from finding the back of the net.

Freiburg responded by bringing on Lisa Kolb for Leela Egli. Less than two minutes after her introduction, Kolb broke through on goal but was denied by Hoffenheim goalkeeper Laura Dick.

Unfazed, Hoffenheim continued to press forward. Once again, Janssens broke down the right side and drove into the box. Her cross found Kössler, who managed to get a shot off while falling, but the ball struck the right post.

In the 66th minute, Hoffenheim made their first substitution, with their top scorer Selina Cerci replacing Jana Feldkamp. Cerci came close in the 74th minute when she powered down the left flank, only to see her tight angle shot saved by Borggräfe.

However, in the 82nd minute, Cerci got on the scoresheet. Julia Hickelsberger provided the assist, and Cerci dribbled into the box before slotting a precise finish to make it 3-0.

Hoffenheim nearly added a fourth goal in the 90th minute when Julia Hickelsberger found herself through on goal after a well-placed pass, but Borggräfe denied her once again.

Substitutions

Hoffenheim: Selina Cerci for Jana Feldkamp (66’), Franziska Harsch for Dominika Grabowska (66’), Jamilla Rankin for Lisann Kaut (77’), Amira Steiner for Féli Delacauw (77’), Michelle Weiß for Jill Janssens (88’)

Freiburg: Lisa Kolb for Leela Egli (56’), Alina Axtmann for Annie Karich (71’), Svenja Fölmli for Cora Zicai (71’), Maj Schneider for Meret Felde (86’), Nicole Ojukwu for Samantha Steuerwald (86’)

Statistics

Hoffenheim had a slight edge in possession, controlling 55% of the ball compared to Freiburg’s 45%. They also posed a greater attacking threat, recording seven shots on target, while Freiburg managed only two. The key to Hoffenheim’s convincing 3-0 victory was their defensive stability and quick transitions, which consistently put Freiburg under pressure. While Freiburg created a few promising chances, their lack of efficiency in front of goal proved costly, whereas Hoffenheim capitalized on their opportunities and secured a well-deserved win.