Hoffenheim edge out Schalke 04 to reach second spot

Hoffenheim have climbed to second place after recording a 2-1 victory over Schalke 04 on Saturday afternoon.

It was end to end from the first whistle, but the hosts struck the first blow in the 13th minute when Roberto Firmino took the ball past a couple of defenders before picking out Tarik Elyounoussi, who tapped home from close range.

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Despite a decent response from the visitors, Hoffenheim managed to double their advantage later in the first half, with Firmino playing the role of provider once again when his clever pass was followed by Adam Szalai's calm finish.

Schalke were agonisingly close to reducing the deficit before the break, but Julian Draxler's curled strike from the edge of the box drifted wide of the post.

Hoffenheim were forced onto the back foot for long spells of the second half, and responded well to limit the chances on offer to Schalke.

The chances of a late comeback from the visitors were dealt a blow when Joel Matip received a red card for picking up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes.

Jens Keller's side did hit back in the closing stages when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, but Hoffenheim held on to collect all three points.