Another three points - TSG beat Hannover too

The tactical setup was also the same – a 4-3-3 formation, although they could afford to play a little higher up the pitch than they did against Bayer 04. Gisdol's men started well. Roberto Firmino, who was playing his 100th Bundesliga game for TSG and also extended his contract to 2017 earlier in the day, and Anthony Modeste both had chances in the opening six minutes.

However, Hoffenheim were caught out by some clinical Hannover finishing, as Leon Andreasen put the visitors 1-0 up after ten minutes. But just as has been the case on many occasions this season, TSG didn't waste any time scoring a goal of their own. Just three minutes later, Gisdol's men rewarded themselves for their promising start after Eugen Polanski buried a low half-volley from the edge of the area. 96-goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler never stood a chance.

TSG go up a gear

Just two minutes later, Modeste came close again – the Frenchman's header from a corner hit the top of the crossbar, inches away from the opener. Sebastian Rudy's shot in the 23rd minute wasn't far away from making it 2-1 either. TSG continued to apply the pressure, had more possession and kept the opponents in their own half. Hannover rarely troubled Jens Grahl.

TSG were once again the more active side after the break, winning the ball high up the pitch and putting some tempo into the game. Their second goal followed in the 51st minute as a result, after Firmino sent Modeste through one-on-one with a well-timed through ball and the Frenchman came out on top in his battle with Zieler.

Rudy tried his luck again only five minutes later, forcing Zieler into a good save, while the 96-defence just got back in time to stop Firmino in another dangerous moment from the Hoffenheim attacker. TSG's dominance was clear just see just a few minutes into the second half.

Red for Schmiedebach

Hoffenheim soon took the pace out of the game, yet remained untested at the back. Instead, Firmino and Rudy were once again creating the chances, although these ones went unpunished. The hosts were given more control of the game in the 76th minute, when Hannover's Manuel Schmiedebach was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Modeste – the correct decision from referee Peter Sippel.

TSG were able to see out the game in a comfortable manner, even adding to their tally in the closing seconds. Rudy finally got his goal, taking advantage of Zieler's poor clearance to then beat the Hannover keeper from around 30 yards – the second Bundesliga goal of his career and a just reward for another great performance.

Hoffenheim will now travel to Munich to face the newly crowned Bundesliga champions on Saturday (March 29th, 15:30 CET) with 35 points already in the bag.

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