Paderborn end scoreless start with emphatic win over Hoffenheim

SC Paderborn recorded their first win of the season, inflicting TSG Hoffenheim’s second defeat within three days.

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SC Paderborn registered their first goals and win of the season in the Bundesliga’s last fixture before the extended international break. The 3-1 loss inflicted Hoffenheim's second defeat in three days.

The visitors were the better side inside the first ten minutes before Paderborn’s first sight of goal. Oliver Baumann, who had to deal with a second international disappointment after Jürgen Klopp completely left him out of the squad, denied Stefano Marino from scoring the first goal of the season for the newcomer.

Vladimír Coufal had Hoffenheim’s best chance of the first half as his deflected effort hit the post in the 23rd minute. Five minutes later, the hosts got their breakthrough. The US youth international Santiago Castañeda ended the goal drought for Ralf Kettemann’s men.

Leon Avdullahu was at fault in presenting the opportunity for the midfielder before his deflection made it even more difficult for Baumann as Paderborn scored their first goal in 300 minutes. They didn’t have to wait longer for their second as Marino doubled their advantage before the half-time break.

Adam Hložek, who netted a brace against Stuttgart last week, had a decent chance to equalize for Hoffenheim seconds before Marvin Pieringer and Laurin Curda combined to set up Marino’s close-range finish.

Both coaches only made one change at the break, but Christian Ilzer’s men had a strong start. Nahuel Noll thwarted the future Germany international Bambasé Conté before Adam Daghim reduced the deficit in the 50th minute.

Just like the opening matchday at Köln, the new signing scored away from home after a well-worked move by the Europa League participants. Conté and Patrick Wimmer had the next big chances as Hoffenheim continued their pressure in search of an equalizer.

However, half-time substitute Steffen Tigges effectively sealed the three points for SCP with twenty minutes left to play. The former Borussia Dortmund and Köln striker scored his first Bundesliga goal since the last matchday of the 2023/24 season with a pinpoint header from a cross by fellow substitute Jonah Sticker.

Fisnik Asllani nearly reduced the deficit right after his introduction before Conté rattled the crossbar with a brilliant strike. In the end, the newly-promoted side held on for their first win back in the Bundesliga.

Paderborn climbed past Hoffenheim in the standings as they entered the international break in 12th place. Both sides will be at home on matchday 6 as Hoffenheim host HSV while Paderborn entertain another struggling team with a game against Stuttgart.