Bundesliga Review: Augsburg win battle of European hopefuls

Markus Weinzierl continues to work wonders at Augsburg after a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim keeps them firmly in European contention.

Augsburg picked up where they left off in the first part of the Bundesliga with a 3-1 victory over fellow European hopefuls Hoffenheim on Sunday.

Three goals in the final six minutes of the first half went a long way to settling the contest as Halil Altintop scored the first for the hosts in the 39th minute, quickly followed by team-mate Tobias Werner three minutes later.

Roberto Firmino responded with a goal for Hoffenheim in the final minute of the first half.

However, after an even second half, Raul Bobadilla struck in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt and send Augsburg fifth – level on points with Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke above them.

Hertha Berlin’s poor away form continued as they slipped closer to the Bundesliga drop zone following a 2-0 defeat at Werder Bremen.

The capital club now sit 15th, just two points above Borussia Dortmund at the foot of the table, having taken a mere five points on their travels all season.

This latest defeat came courtesy of strikes either side of half-time from former Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo, who moved on to eight goals for the campaign.

Jannik Vestergaard also made his debut for Viktor Skripnik’s side, who climb to 12th after their first match since the winter break.