Adam Hložek’s late-game brilliance helped TSG Hoffenheim secure a thrilling 2:2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a vital equalizer in stoppage time. Hugo Ekitiké netted twice for Frankfurt, while Gift Orban also contributed to Hoffenheim’s comeback. Despite Eintracht’s strong position in the league, they struggled to maintain their lead against a determined Hoffenheim team, who improved to 14th place. Both teams will continue their Europa League campaigns next week.
Adam Hložek’s late-game heroics saved TSG Hoffenheim from defeat as he not only hit the crossbar but also netted a crucial goal, resulting in a thrilling 2:2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Hugo Ekitiké was on fire for Eintracht, scoring twice, while Gift Orban and Adam Hložek found the back of the net for Hoffenheim during stoppage time. This match left Eintracht solidifying their third position on the league table, while Hoffenheim climbed to 14th place.
‘The goal was especially important for morale. We were rewarded for a good game. Today, in a high-class football match, it was a deserved point,’ stated Christian Ilzer.
‘I believe we did not play a top match and Hoffenheim deserved the point. We did not bring our strengths into the game. We were not as aggressive and energetic as in the previous weeks. However, we also played against a strong Hoffenheim team,’ replied Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller.
Both teams had competed in the Europa League earlier in the week, albeit under different circumstances. While Eintracht is almost assured of a spot in the round of 16 following a 2:0 victory over Budapest, TSG’s chances of progressing appear slim after a 2:3 loss to Tottenham. Adding to Hoffenheim’s woes, they lost key strategist and goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to injury.
Young Luca Philipp stepped in to take over the goalkeeping duties, a pivotal role for Hoffenheim. He had little to do initially, as the best attacking opportunity in the opening minutes was created by the hosts. After a scramble in the penalty area, Adam Hložek struck the ball from eight meters, only to see it hit the left crossbar, much to Eintracht’s relief.
Eintracht’s Slow Start and Penalty Advantage
Frankfurt began the match sluggishly, finding it difficult to penetrate Hoffenheim’s solid defense. Young Can Uzun, a recent acquisition from Nürnberg, struggled to fill the shoes of the departed Omar Marmoush, particularly lacking in pace. The first real test for Hoffenheim’s new keeper came after 20 minutes when Hugo Ekitiké’s shot was comfortably saved by Philipp.
Just three minutes later, Kevin Akpoguma fouled Eintracht’s center forward in the penalty area, leading referee Sascha Stegemann to review the incident and award a penalty to Frankfurt. Ekitiké calmly converted it into the bottom right corner, making it 0:1 (26) and igniting celebrations among the traveling Frankfurt fans.
Hoffenheim’s Resurgence Against a Passive Eintracht
Despite taking the lead, Eintracht became somewhat passive, allowing Hoffenheim to regain confidence. In the 38th minute, Max Moerstedt had a close-range chance that was blocked, and Tom Bischof’s 16-meter attempt was deflected away from the net.
Two minutes before halftime, Anton Stach had a chance from 11 meters but missed the target, leaving Frankfurt’s lead a bit flattering as they headed into the break.
Dynamic Play from Hoffenheim, Absence of Marmoush Felt by Eintracht
The second half offered little change in dynamics; Hoffenheim displayed more energy while Frankfurt remained cautious. A stunning reflex save from Kevin Trapp in the 53rd minute prevented Hoffenheim from equalizing when Stach struck hard towards the near corner.
Toppmöller’s squad lacked any real counter-attacking threats during this phase, revealing how much the absence of Marmoush has affected the team’s performance.
Hložek’s Contribution and Dramatic Finish
Hoffenheim thought they had equalized in the 60th minute when Hložek raced past Hugo Larsson and scored, but the goal was ruled offside upon review. However, just five minutes later, Hložek provided a brilliant assist to the recently substituted Gift Orban, who leveled the score at 1:1 (65).
Eintracht’s fortunes took a turn for the worse when, in the 70th minute, Andre Kramaric failed to convert an open chance after another assist from Hložek. Shortly after, Eintracht regained the lead when Rasmus Kristensen set up Ekitiké, who scored from close range to make it 1:2 (72). Yet, Hoffenheim refused to relent, with Hložek scoring the equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time after a superb assist from Kramaric, finalizing the score at 2:2.
Upcoming Challenges for Both Teams
Both teams will return to Europa League action next Thursday, followed by Bundesliga matches on Sunday. Hoffenheim will face Leverkusen at 5:30 PM, while Frankfurt will kick off against VfL Wolfsburg two hours earlier.