With the biggest win in their Bundesliga history, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have shot themselves into a brilliant starting position in the race for the European Cup places. The Kraichgauer team deservedly won 6-0 (5-0) on the penultimate matchday against SV Darmstadt 98, who had already been relegated.
Hoffenheim moves up to seventh place – and can even dream of the Champions League.
To the live ticker: Darmstadt – Hoffenheim Arrow right 33rd matchday Arrow right
Sixth place is enough to take part in the premier class if Borussia Dortmund wins this year’s final on June 1st against Real Madrid. However, Hoffenheim still has to catch up with Eintracht Frankfurt by three points and three goals in the final game of the season next Saturday against Bayern Munich.
Hoffenheim double packs from Bebou and Beier
Ihlas Bebou (2nd, 51st), Maximilian Beier (6th, 44th), Pavel Kaderabek (22nd) and Ozan Kabak (26th) were included in the shooting list for the decisive victory on Sunday (May 12th, 2024).
The “Lilien”, whose relegation has been certain for two weeks, gave their fans a disastrous performance in their last Bundesliga home game.
Markus Philipp, Sportschau, May 12, 2024 6:08 p.m
“This is inexcusable, embarrassing,” said Darmstadt coach Torsten Lieberknecht at the sports show microphone. “I’m at a loss for words today too,” he said in consternation.
TSG coach Pellegrino Matarazzo felt completely different after this hangover victory: “We knew that every goal counts. Three points were first and foremost important, but we always wanted to keep going.”
Markus Philipp, Sportschau, May 12, 2024 6:12 p.m
Bebou scores after 80 seconds
Around 80 seconds had been played when Florian Grillitsch hit a long ball to Bebou, who went around 98 keeper Alexander Brunst and scored to take the lead.
The guests were at their best and now they really got going: Beier completed a pass to the front to make it 2-0. The sleepy Darmstadt team barely got to the opponent’s penalty area.
Philipp Hofmeister, Sportschau, May 12, 2024 5:26 p.m
Kaderabek and Kabak increase for TSG
Hoffenheim controlled the game – and struck again: Kaderabek scored from a tight angle and with the help of the left inside post. At 4-0 it was a corner kick that started the scoring. Kabak finished with his head.
Darmstadt’s performance was worthy of neither a first nor a second division team. The unconditional expressions of love from the home corner were soon mixed with angry whistles – especially when Beier scored his second goal before the break. 5:0.
The Kraichgauers filled half a dozen after the restart: Bebou had an easy time in the penalty area against three “Lilien” defenders. Darmstadt still had no access to the game and counterattack situations petered out. Hoffenheim failed several times to increase their victory even further.
Darmstadt in Dortmund, Hoffenheim against Bayern
Darmstadt 98’s last Bundesliga game will take place at Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, May 18, 24, 3:30 p.m.), at the same time TSG Hoffenheim will host Bayern.