Burger’s set-piece goal sees Hoffenheim defeat toothless Leverkusen

The big Dutch midfielder’s first-half freekick proved to be the difference in Hoffenheim’s win over Leverkusen.

Matchday 18 of the Bundesliga threw up an enticing fixture between TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen this afternoon. With both teams pursuing European positions, it was the hosts who took a big step towards that aim with a narrow 1-0 win. 

The game was ultimately decided in the 9th-minute as the hosts went a goal to the good. A freekick on the right flank taken by Wouter Burger was probably intended for a teammate’s head, but instead sailed over Mark Flekken into the net.

It took Bayer Leverkusen around 30 minutes to eventually find their feet in Sinsheim. However, they continued to lack that killer edge in their attack. A tame Patrik Schick effort into Baumann’s gloves summed up their form. 

Meanwhile, Christian Ilzer’s side continued to look like the side likely to score next. Some neat okay by Tim Lemperle let to an Alex Prass shot that required saving by Flekken to keep the deficit at to a solitary goal.

The Rhinelanders’ Dutch shot-stopper was tested again after the break, tipping Burger’s shot over the bar. He followed that up with a fine parry to repel Vladimir Coufal as the hosts looked to double their advantage.

Flekken would pick up an unfortunate injury resulting in Janis Blaswich replacing him. With 28 minutes remaining, Schick squandered a fine chance to equalise. Grimaldo’s set-piece, parried by Baumann, wasn’t punished accordingly.

Lemperle missed a golden chance to seal the victory on 78 minutes as Hoffenheim broke. Kramaric found the striker on the left side of the penalty area, however Blaswich saved the shot that was destined for the far corner.

A whopping 8 minutes of injury time did little to for Kasper Hjulmand’s forces to find an equaliser. Hoffenheim hung on gallantly to ensure clinch third-place in the Bundesliga table unless RB Leipzig can shock Bayern Munich this evening.