Hložek’s two goals earn Hoffenheim a 2-1 win over Stuttgart

Hložek double gives Hoffenheim first points

1899 Hoffenheim defeated VfB Stuttgart 2-1 at SNP Arena in Sinsheim on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The result was Hoffenheim’s first Bundesliga win of the season after two defeats, while Stuttgart suffered a second loss in three league matches. Hoffenheim led 1-0 at half-time and held on after a competitive second half.

Hložek strikes early, Stuttgart respond

Hoffenheim took the lead in the 13th minute. Adam Hložek finished a move assisted by Bambasé Conté, giving the hosts an early advantage in C. Ilzer’s 4-4-2 formation. Stuttgart changed personnel before the interval when Yanik Spalt replaced Angelo Stiller in the 35th minute, but Hoffenheim retained their lead into half-time.

The visitors levelled three minutes after the restart. Maximilian Mittelstädt scored in the 48th minute, bringing Stuttgart back into the match. Their equaliser did not produce a sustained lead, however. Hložek restored Hoffenheim’s advantage in the 67th minute, with Adam Daghim providing the assist. The goal ultimately proved decisive.

Possession favours Stuttgart, chances favour Hoffenheim

Stuttgart controlled more of the ball, recording 57% possession and 512 total passes compared with Hoffenheim’s 43% and 379 passes. They also completed more accurate passes, 397 to 276. Those figures did not translate into more attempts: Hoffenheim recorded 20 shots to Stuttgart’s 14 and led 8-5 for shots on goal.

The hosts were also more active from outside the penalty area, with eight such shots against Stuttgart’s three. Stuttgart won six corners to Hoffenheim’s five, but Hoffenheim’s greater shot volume and accuracy helped explain why they took all three points despite spending less time in possession. The goalkeepers made four saves for Hoffenheim and six for Stuttgart.

Hložek leads the match ratings

Hložek was the standout performer, earning an 8.4 rating after scoring twice and registering three shots on target in 82 minutes. Daghim also made a strong contribution with an assist and four key passes in a full 90-minute appearance. Mittelstädt was Stuttgart’s leading rated player at 8.2, scoring once, creating four key passes and making four tackles.

Wouter Burger received the only yellow card of the match for Hoffenheim in the 63rd minute. There were no red cards. Further substitutions followed for both sides, including Patrick Wimmer for Conté and Deniz Undav for Ermedin Demirović. Hoffenheim move from zero points to three after three games, while Stuttgart remain on three points with a record of one win and two defeats. Their exact post-match rankings are not provided.