TSG Hoffenheim have secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Mainz 05 on Sunday. The match saw striker Ivan Kramarić score his first goal of the campaign, while the team also received some credit for their assist from the bench.
The victory was a much-needed one for Hoffenheim, who had struggled to find form in their opening two matches of the season. However, the return of Kramarić, who has been out injured since November, was a significant boost for the team.
Kramarić's goal came in the 48th minute, after he found himself in the right place at the right time to capitalise on a mistake by Mainz goalkeeper Robert Goffredo. The Croatian international took advantage of the space created by a poor defensive clearance and finished coolly to give Hoffenheim the lead.
While Kramarić's goal was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, it was the contributions of the substitutes that really helped the team secure the points. In particular, the performance of midfielder Sebastian Schäfer was notable.
Schäfer made several key passes and created chances for his teammates throughout the match, showing his versatility as a player. His workrate and determination were particularly noticeable in the second half, when he helped to break down Mainz's defence and create scoring opportunities.
Overall, TSG Hoffenheim's 1-0 win against Mainz was a solid achievement, but it is clear that there is still plenty of room for improvement. With Kramarić back in the side and the support of the substitutes, the team will be hoping to build on this result and continue their positive run of form.