BERLIN — In an exciting Bundesliga clash on Sunday, Adam Hlozek netted a stoppage-time goal for Hoffenheim, which brought an end to Eintracht Frankfurt’s winning streak, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The match marked Frankfurt’s first outing since their leading scorer Omar Marmoush transferred to Manchester City. However, Hugo Ekitiké appeared to seamlessly step into the void by scoring twice for the visitors. Despite Frankfurt’s promising start, Andrej Kramari? assisted Hlozek, who equalized with a volley deep into injury time during the second half.
Frankfurt’s goalkeeper Kevin Trapp expressed disappointment over the team’s performance, stating, “That wasn’t what we’re used to… We let ourselves get pushed way back, and, to be honest, it wasn’t a good game from us.” The draw helped Hoffenheim sit four points clear of Heidenheim, who occupy a relegation spot, while Frankfurt retained their position in third place, having seen their four-match winning streak across competitions come to an end.
Hoffenheim’s Luca Philipp made his Bundesliga debut as a replacement for the injured captain Oliver Baumann. Philipp was faced with an early penalty but could not prevent Ekitiké from scoring the opener in the 26th minute, as Ekitiké directed his shot past the keeper, marking his fourth consecutive goal across all competitions.
The home side found a spark as Tom Bischof shone on his first match since it was announced he would be joining Bayern Munich at the season’s end. Bischof assisted Hlozek, who appeared to score in the 59th minute, though the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Hoffenheim finally attained a rightful equalizer six minutes later, with Hlozek assisting Gift Orban in scoring his first Bundesliga goal since joining from Lyon. Ekitiké managed to find the back of the net again in the 71st minute after a brilliant team move involving Rasmus Kristensen, but Hlozek ensured Hoffenheim secured the last word of the match.
Ekitiké reflected on the game, saying, “We lost two points. If we don’t win, I can’t be happy about my two goals. It’s a bit stupid to lose a point like this.”
In other news, St. Pauli celebrated a significant victory as Morgan Guilavogui scored twice, leading his team to a 3-0 triumph over Union Berlin. This win allowed St. Pauli to surpass Union on goal difference, elevating them to 13th place in the competitive 18-team league.
Additionally, substitute Danel Sinani made an immediate impact, scoring just one minute after coming on, thereby securing St. Pauli’s largest home victory of the current season. Union Berlin, now under the leadership of new coach Steffen Baumgart, faced its third loss in four matches, leaving them precariously positioned only six points clear of relegation.
