TSG Hoffenheim have reignited their push for Champions League qualification with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the PreZero Arena. Andrej Kramaric was the match-winner, scoring two penalties, the second deep into stoppage time, to secure three crucial points for the hosts. The defeat for Dortmund, who equalised late through Serhou Guirassy, means Bayern Munich can secure the Bundesliga title with a point against Stuttgart on Sunday.
According to a match report from Sportschau, the game turned on two contentious penalty decisions, both awarded after VAR interventions. The first came just before half-time when Niklas Süle, making his first start in two months, was adjudged to have handled the ball while lying injured on the ground. Kramaric converted calmly. Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel expressed his frustration post-match, telling Sportschau, "It pisses me off brutally to lose a game like this through two penalties."
The result lifts Hoffenheim to fifth place with 54 points, putting them firmly back in the race for a top-four finish after a run of four games without a win. For Dortmund, the loss is a second consecutive defeat, raising questions about their focus with Champions League football for next season all but secured. The performance underlined a lack of creativity that has led to widespread calls for a squad overhaul in the summer.
The match also carried significant personal narratives. For Süle, his unfortunate involvement in the first penalty incident and subsequent injury could mark a bitter end to his time at the club, with the defender set to leave Dortmund when his contract expires. For Kramaric, whose future at Hoffenheim is also uncertain, the brace represented a timely return to form. The Croatian has a well-established reputation for strong second halves of seasons, with 90 of his 138 Bundesliga goals coming after the winter break.
Looking ahead, Hoffenheim face a tough test away at Hamburg SV next Saturday, while Dortmund will aim to halt their slide when they host SC Freiburg on Sunday. The victory keeps Hoffenheim's destiny in their own hands as the season enters its final weeks, while Dortmund must rediscover motivation for the run-in despite their comfortable position in the top four.
