1899 celebrate convincing victory over the 'Club'

MATCH REPORT

1899 Hoffenheim got their season back on track with a commanding victory over FC Nuremberg in front of a home crowd at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Bundesliga matchday ten.

Both teams started slowly with some good attacking football, but no real threat at either end. It was Nuremberg who nearly got the first breakthrough when on 27 minutes referee Michael Weiner ignored claims for a penalty after Simunic brought down Bunjaku in the box.

However, soon after it was Hoffenheim who emerged as the more dominant of the two sides and this was finally rewarded in the 34th minute through a wonder goal by Eichner. Following a free kick and a poor defensive clearance, Hoffenheim's defender found himself in space outside the box. His shot left Nuremberg keeper Schäfer with no chance and provided the home side with a well earned lead. Just four minutes later, more defensive problems for Nuremberg allowed Ibisevic through on goal, a chance which the Bosnian international coolly slotted home.

After the restart Hoffenheim continued to dictate the pace of the game and dominated possession. It was only a matter of time before Hoffenheim's pressure was rewarded once more as substitute Zuculini placed his shot past Schäfer on 64 minutes. Nuremberg never really looked like threatening Hildebrand's goal and the Hoffenheim defence was able to nullify any potential attack with relative ease.

Three points today sees Hoffenheim return to winning ways and keeps the pressure on the other clubs battling for European football next season. Despite last week's victory over Hertha Berlin, Nuremberg struggled against Hoffenheim's class and they now slip ever closer to the relegation zone.

POST-MATCH QUOTES

Peer Kluge:
When you're 0-2 down to a side like Hoffenheim it's really difficult. If they give you an inch, then you've got to take it. The first goal came from nothing, but of course it effected us and then 1899 have the individual talent to see the game out. We've got to take the positives from this game, but also acknowledge the things we didn't do so well.

Vedad Ibisevic:
I've always said that it takes time to get back to after a bit of a break. I'm feeling good and I'm using training and match practise to keep improving. Of course goals and points are the most important thing for the team. Christian's goal was phenomenal and really important for us. It got a lot easier after that. The game against Koblenz is going to be difficult so we've got to give everything in order to win.

Christian Eichner:
The goal was special for two reasons. It was my first goal for Hoffenheim and also not a bad one at that. Those types of goals always involve a certain level of technique but also fair bit of luck. I just thought in the moment "eyes down and hope for the best."

Ralf Rangnick:
It was a ropey first 20 minutes, but we knew that we'd need patience today. Nuremberg were confident coming into this game because of their victory last week and we knew that. Eichner's goal was really the catalyst for us. In training he scores those goals all the time. It got a lot easier for us after that. We got a lot more organised and managed to get the win we'd hoped for. We're now focused on the games against Koblenz. We definitely want to progress to the next round of the cup. Obasi has muscle problems in the thigh.

Michael Oenning:
It was annoying to concede the first goal in because we'd been playing well up until then, but the goal was amazing. After that they managed to counter following a bit of bad luck in the tackles and then it was 0-2. Of course it was really hard after that because you're always worried about the counter attack. We weren't able to exert any pressure and with the third goal the game was over. We accept the defeat, but you can never be content with such a result. We have to just focus on the positives for the next game.

Match facts and statistics »