Hoffenheim – Union Berlin: Kramaric’s Brace Powers Ilzer’s Third-Place Charge (3-1)

On January 31, 2026, the PreZero Arena staged a pivotal Matchday 20 clash as TSG Hoffenheim continued their impressive rise under Christian Ilzer. The hosts cruised to a 3–1 victory over Union Berlin, sealing a seventh consecutive home win in the Bundesliga. Despite Union posing the greater threat early on, a devastating three-minute brace from Andrej Kramarić just before halftime, followed by a calamitous own goal early in the second half, put the result firmly beyond doubt.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

Hoffenheim, under Cristian Ilzer, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation on paper. Oliver Baumann marshalled the defence from goal behind a back four of Vladimir Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Ozan Kabak, and Albian Hajdari. Hranáč and Kabak formed a central pairing that combined physicality with the ability to step out and challenge Union’s attacks, while Coufal pushed high on the right to support build-up, allowing the remaining defenders to form a back three when in possession.

In midfield, Leon Avdullahu anchored the team and shielded the defence, Grischa Prömel provided energy and vertical runs between the boxes, and Andrej Kramarić mostly occupied the right half-space, linking midfield and attack. Up front, Tim Lemperle moved freely across the frontline, Bazoumana Touré stretched play from the left, and Fisnik Asllani operated between the lines and half-spaces to create overloads and combine with Kramarić

Union Berlin, set up in a 3-4-2-1 under Steffen Baumgart, relied on a back three of Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite in front of goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow, with wing-backs Janik Haberer and Stanley N’Soki providing width and . . .