New Delhi: Bayer Leverkusen maintained their unbeaten start to the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga with a 2-1 home victory over TSG Hoffenheim. The win, their first at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium this season, further cements their position in the top group. Despite Hoffenheim’s fightback in the second half, Leverkusen’s early dominance and clinical finishing were enough to secure all three points.
The first half belonged to Leverkusen, with their two summer signings, Caroline Kehrer and Cornelia Kramer, making the difference. Kehrer opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a brilliant lob over Hoffenheim goalkeeper Laura Dick, following a long ball from Leverkusen’s defence. Just six minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Juliette Vidal was held during a corner. Kramer calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0, giving Leverkusen a commanding lead.
Another Win for #Bayer04Women! 😤🖤❤️
A great way to start the weekend! 💪#B04TSG | #DieLiga pic.twitter.com/lYV2LaHiPC
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 27, 2024
Leverkusen were the more dangerous side throughout the first half, and could have added a third goal before the break. Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir had a header that went narrowly wide, and Kramer almost doubled her tally with a powerful shot that was tipped onto the post by Dick. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, struggled to get into the game, with their only chance coming from a free-kick by Dominika Grabowska, which flew just over the bar.
Hoffenheim came out stronger in the second half after coach Theodoros Dedes made an attacking change, bringing on Melissa Kössler. The adjustment paid off when Selina Cerci scored in the 56th minute, heading in a cross from Jamilla Sofia Rankin to reduce the deficit. Hoffenheim pushed hard for an equaliser, but Leverkusen’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper Friederike Repohl making a string of vital saves. She denied Marta Cazalla Garcia and substitute Feli Petra Delacauw with a double save late on, preserving her team’s narrow lead.
Despite Hoffenheim’s second-half improvement, Leverkusen deserved their win. Coach Roberto Pätzold will be pleased with his team’s performance, especially in the first half, where they looked in control. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, will need to find a way to turn their season around after a third consecutive defeat.
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