Leipzig had conceded first just once in the league this season, and so it was perhaps unsurprising to see them take the lead after just 10 minutes. Two teenage sensations combined as Assan Ouedraogo fed through Yan Diomande, who cut inside and finished beautifully for his sixth goal involvement in his last three appearances for Die Roten Bullen.
However, like their opponents, Hoffenheim were on a three-game winning streak, and were determined to get back into the match quickly.
Albian Hajdari helped them do just that, tapping home his first goal for the club from Wouter Burger’s cutback after a well-worked corner routine.
A league-high eight of Hoffenheim’s 10 matches have now seen both teams score, and the hosts managed to turn the game around before half-time. Vladimir Coufal crossed brilliantly for Tim Lemperle to head his third goal in four appearances into the far bottom corner.
Leipzig came out of the traps early in the second half, and David Raum was unlucky to hit the post from the edge of the box. He then whipped a dangerous free-kick in for Willi Orban, who headed just over.
However, Hoffenheim resisted the pressure and thought they had scored a third in the latter stages, as Fisnik Asllani twisted and turned before striking into the corner, but he came from an offside position.
Nonetheless, he then turned provider for Grischa Promel shortly after, who sealed victory with a wonderful finish - his fourth goal in five games.
Leipzig gave the hosts a late scare when Romulo Cardoso slotted home on the break, but like Asllani, he too was offside.
That confirmed Leipzig’s second defeat this season, while Hoffenheim’s fourth successive win in the league marks just their second home victory this term.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Grischa Promel (Hoffenheim)
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