Hoffenheim 1 - 0 Hertha BSC Berlin: Hoffenheim up to third after victory over Hertha Berlin

Posted Monday, October 31, 2016 by PA

Hoffenheim moved up to third in the Bundesliga on Sunday thanks to a 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin which extended their unbeaten start to the season.

Niklas Sule scored the only goal of the game to earn Hoffenheim a fifth straight Bundesliga win which took them above their guests and into the top three.

Fabian Lustenberger made a goal-line clearance from a Sule header early on before Oliver Baumann turned Allan's shot wide in a lively opening with chances at both ends.

Lukas Rupp tried to chip the ball past Rune Jarstein when put clean through on goal, but the ball ricocheted back off him and behind for a goal kick.

Pavel Kaderabek sent a header onto the crossbar as Hoffenheim increased the pressure, going in front deservedly after half an hour with Sule's far-post header leaving Jarstein no chance.

Vedad Ibisevic tried to sound Hertha's rallying cry with a shot early in the second half, but Hoffenheim rarely looked like conceding.

In fact, it seemed more likely that they would add a second with Sandro Wagner and Andrej Kramaric going close.

Kramaric should have wrapped up victory five minutes from time when Nadiem Amiri squared the ball for him, but his shot was too close to Jarstein, who made a save.

Hoffenheim held on for all three points without needing a second goal, however, and are now just four points behind league-leaders Bayern and two ahead of Hertha, who drop out of the top three.