Hoffenheim bow out of Europe with stunning win

A stunning 4-3 win away at Anderlecht proved too little too late for Hoffenheim as their Europa League journey ended.

It was a crucial game for Anderlecht’s chances of avoiding the playoff round. In front of a sold-out attendance at Lotto Park, David Hubert picked his strongest team in hopes of staying in the top eight.

For Hoffenheim, the chances of extending their European stay depended on other results. Christian Ilzer has to deal with the absence of nearly a dozen first-team players, and he doesn’t want to take more risks as Andrej Kramaric is out of the matchday squad.

As such, there was little surprise when Luis Vázquez put the hosts in front. The Argentine striker beat the offside trap before curling home a beautiful strike. But, the Bundesliga outfit leveled the score at half-time from a set-piece play as Killian Sardella failed to clear Europa League debutant Robin Hranac’s header from the goal line.

And, in the space of 11 second-half minutes, Hoffenheim suddenly led the game 4-1. Bayern-bound Tom Bischof scored from outside the box to put them ahead for the first time in the 54th minute. Shortly after, youngster David Mokwa scored his second European goal before Adam Hložek grabbed his fourth in as many games.

19-year-old Japanese striker Keisuke Goto reduced the deficit a minute after his introduction before ex-Bremen wide player Ludwig Augustinsson’s goal ensured a nervy ending for Hoffenheim. 

But they held on to register only their second win of the season. Finishing at 27th place wasn’t enough to prolong their European adventure, however. Anderlecht slipped out of the top eight, but they’ll be involved in the playoff phase.