TSG beaten by clinical Schalke

There was no change in Hoffenheim's tactics though, as they lined up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The hosts had more possession in the opening stages, but TSG looked solid defensively and didn't allow Schalke much space. However, a second ball after a set-piece caught Hoffenheim out at the back and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was alone in front of Koen Casteels and was able to put his side 1-0 ahead.

TSG didn't let their heads hang low though and Kevin Volland forced a good save out of S04 keeper Ralf Fährmann in the eighth minute. The rebound fell for Anthony Modeste, but the angle was against the striker and he couldn't direct his effort on target. Hoffenheim looked to control the game, while Schalke were happy to try and pick off the visitors on the counter. TSG couldn't make the most of that phase though, failing to find an equaliser.

Casteels denies Huntelaar from 12 yards

Polanski and Modeste had the best chances for Markus Gisdol's side as they pressed hard and continued to look for a way through, but suddenly Schalke had another goal. Huntelaar's high-class finish in the 28th minute gave Koen Casteels absolutely no chance.

Just two minutes later, the home side had a penalty. Huntelaar tried a cheeky chip but Casteels remained in position and plucked the ball out of the air. The Hoffenheim keeper also made two further fantastic stops from both Leon Goretzka and Julian Draxler to keep his side's hopes of a comeback alive.

After the break, Schalke sat back a little. TSG had more of the ball but were still struggling to find a way through the stubborn defence of Jens Keller's side. The first opportunity that Hoffenheim were able to forge was Modeste's shot from inside the area that zipped wide of the post.

Final nail in the coffin

Just one minute later, S04 decided the game. Chinedu Obasi's low, drilled strike into the bottom corner put the hosts 3-0 up after 55 minutes, all but ending Hoffenheim's challenge. However, TSG didn't disappear from the game completely though they were still lacking the clinical pass in the final third – something that Schalke weren't struggling with as Huntelaar added a fourth goal with just over ten minutes to go after Draxler's weaving run and pass.

The defeat was Hoffenheim's first against the Royal Blues this season, but there's no point in looking too much into the result against what is a ‘top' side. Markus Gisdol's focus will now be on next weekend's visit of Mainz 05 to the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena. After three consecutive home wins against Hamburg, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg, TSG will be hoping to continue that run.

FC Schalke 04: Fährmann – Hoogland, Höwedes, Matip, Kolasinac – Boateng, Neustädter – Goretzka, Draxler (80' Meyer), Obasi (70' Fuchs) – Huntelaar (80' Szalai)

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Casteels – Johnson, Strobl (46' Vestergaard), Süle, Beck – Polanski, Rudy – Volland, Firmino, Herdling (46' Salihovic) – Modeste (64' Schipplock)

Goals: 1-0 Huntelaar (6'), 2-0 Huntelaar (28'), 3-0 Obasi (55'), 4-0 Huntelaar (79')
Yellow cards: Hoogland, Draxler, Kolasinac – Polanski, Beck, Schipplock
Referee: Robert Hartmann
Attendance: 60,604

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