Stuttgart won for the first time since returning from the winter break with a 1-0 victory over Hoffenheim on Sunday.
Hoffenheim vs. Stuttgart: Final score 0-1, Harnik’s goal in the third minute the difference
Martin Harnik’s goal in the third minute was the difference in the Schwaben Derby between Stuttgart and Hoffenheim.
Alex Grimm
The goal came after only three minutes. Martin Harnik headed Ibrahima Traore’s cross in off the crossbar. The Austrian actually started the attack, receiving the ball in the midfield before swinging it out wide to Traore. This marked the third match in a row where Hoffenheim had conceded a goal in the opening ten minutes.
Stuttgart controlled proceedings throughout keeping Hoffenheim from truly threatening Sven Ulreich. Vedad Ibisevic and Traore each came close, but Heurelho Gomes managed to keep them out. All in all, Gomes had another good match in goal for Hoffenheim.
The loss leaves Hoffenheim in 16th place in the relegation playoff spot, and a full ten points from getting out of the relegation zone. Stuttgart are now in 12th place with 28 points, and if they can put together a nice run of form here, can threaten the Europa League places.
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