Kramaric’s brace lifts Hoffenheim to important win over Mainz

Mainz’s Champions League hopes were dealt a blow as they went down 2-0 to Hoffenheim, who won thanks to an Andrej Kramaric brace.

Andrej Kramaric netted twice as Hoffenheim triumphed 2-0 over Mainz at the PreZero Arena. 

The win secured three vital points for the Kraichgau side, helping them distance themselves from the relegation zone. 

Fifth-placed Mainz, meanwhile, missed a chance to move into fourth place and position themselves for Champions League qualification

Hoffenheim couldn’t have asked for a better start as Andrej Kramaric put them ahead within the first four minutes. A pinpoint cross from Bazoumana Touré found the Croatian veteran at the back post, and he made no mistake with his finish.

The pattern repeated itself on the half-hour mark, when Touré led a counter-attack and delivered a perfect pass to Kramaric, who calmly slotted home his second.

The home side nearly made it 3-0 in the 55th minute, but Arthur Chaves’ header was expertly palmed wide by Robin Zentner.

With no further goals, Hoffenheim secured the 2-0 victory, picking up three vital points in their battle to stay in the Bundesliga.