### Hoffenheim Overcomes Hertha BSC with Kramarić and Baumgartner
Hoffenheim secured their first league victory of the season on Sunday afternoon as they defeated Hertha BSC 2-1 at home. The match was closely contested from start to finish, with both teams showing resilience and determination throughout.
#### First Half: Uneven Start
The opening half saw both teams create chances but failed to capitalize on them. Hoffenheim had several good opportunities to break through, but their shots were either blocked or deflected away. On the other hand, Hertha BSC also looked lively in the early stages, creating several counterattacks that threatened the Hoffenheim defense.
#### Second Half: Hoffenheim Takes Control
In the second half, Hoffenheim began to assert control over the game. In the 55th minute, striker Mario Kramarić made his presence felt when he scored from a free kick. His powerful strike hit the top-left corner of the net, giving Hoffenheim a 1-0 lead.
Hertha BSC did not give up easily. In the 76th minute, substitute goalkeeper David Baumgartner made a crucial save to deny Hertha BSC a late equalizer. This prevented a potentially tying goal and allowed Hoffenheim to hold onto their advantage.
#### Final Moments: Hoffenheim Clinches Victory
In the final minutes, Hoffenheim continued to press and look for more goals. Their efforts paid off when midfielder Benjamin Steinberger found space to score in the 89th minute, widening the gap to 2-1. With time running out, Hertha BSC tried to mount one last comeback attempt, but it was too little too late.
### Key Players' Performances
- **Mario Kramarić**: Scored Hoffenheim's only goal of the match, showcasing his ability to find space in the box and convert.
- **David Baumgartner**: Made a vital save in the dying moments to prevent Hertha BSC from equalizing, demonstrating his key role in securing the win.
### Match Summary
- **Score**: Hoffenheim 2 - Hertha BSC 1
- **Location**: Hoffenheim Stadium
- **Attendance**: 45,000
- **Match Date**: Sunday, October 24, 2023
### Next Steps
With this victory, Hoffenheim improved their standing in the Bundesliga standings, moving up to seventh place. The team will now focus on maintaining their momentum and preparing for future matches. Meanwhile, Hertha BSC remains in the relegation zone, looking to avoid further drops in form.
This result is significant for both sides, providing valuable points and momentum that can help shape their respective seasons. The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams as they continue to navigate the challenges of the Bundesliga.