TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – Bayern Munich: Deadly Finishing Delivers Huge Hoffenheim Win (4-1)

Hoffenheim’s 5-3-2 low to medium block stymied Bayern’s wing progressions, while their commitment to the long ball negated Bayern’s pressing dominance and in the process robbed the guests of a key facet of their game. Stubborn finishing made matters worse for Flick’s side, as Hoffenheim romped to a lavish victory.  
Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. 

An exhilarating injury time winner against FC Köln in the previous round had Hoffenheim riding high through the week. It was the perfect start to the new manager and former Bayern Munich II skipper, Sebastian Hoeneß, as Hoffenheim look to build on last season’s sixth place finish. 

Hoeneß has been deferential to a 3-4-3 formation since he took over and stuck with his preferred shape against Bayern. In a further bid for continuity, there was only one change to the side that snatched victory in Köln, as center-back Kasim Adams made way for Stefan Posch.

Fresh off a Super Cup victory on Thursday night, which allowed Bayern to add to their impressive haul from last season, manager Hansi Flick heavily rotated his side. The Champions League winner brought all of Corentin Tolisso, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Zirkzee and Jérôme Boateng into his 4-2-3-1 shape. 

Hoffenheim dictate pace
From the outset Hoffenheim made a point of keeping their distribution long – the hosts showed little interest in trying to play through Bayern’s suffocating press. The decision stretched the game vertically and gave Hoeneß’s side a better chance of dictating the style of the match. 

Additionally, Hoffenheim lined up in a 5-3-2 low . . .