The visitors clawed a goal back through Emilian Lassig, but first half strikes from Benjamin Garre and Ian Carlo Poveda were enough to seal the win during the Blues’ dominant performance at the Academy Stadium.
What happened
The last time the two clubs met, City were left disappointed after a late flurry of goals saw Hoffenheim seal a 5-2 win, and perhaps that’s why City installed pressure and continuous attack on the visitors from the off.
After City’s European dream came to an end in Lyon last month, Paul Harsley’s side had little to compete for in their meeting, but the teenage-side showed true character to push on against Hoffenheim.
Rabbi Matondo charged forward and sent a low-flying effort at goal on 10 minutes but it was comfortably caught by Daniel Klein. Then, a minute later, the Blues were rewarded for their dominance as Benjamin Garre drilled into the bottom corner to hand City the lead.
The pressure from City continued, as skipper Eric Garcia dribbled the ball from the backline before setting the Hoffenheim ‘keeper’s heart racing as he unleashed a thunderous shot from 40 yards out. The effort skimmed just inches wide.
City doubled their lead on the 34th minute.
Nathanael Ogbeta whipped a superb cross in for Ian Poveda to finish off and extend our lead to two. City’s confidence grew even more and meant that Tom Scott was rarely called upon, and instead acted as a voice of leadership and authority from goal.
The visitors moved up a gear in the second half and started to find their rhythm. Olgun Tubluk then took his chance to fire a curling cross in the box just in reach of Emilian Lassig’s foot, who then tapped in from close range to narrow the scoreline.
How we lined up
Thomas Scott took his place in goal shielded by a back four of Jeremie Frimpong, skipper Eric Garcia, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Nathanael Ogbeta.
Iker Pozo was employed in his defensive midfield role alongside Adrian Bernabe and Taylor Richards.
Benjamin Garre and Rabbi Matondo flanked Ian Carlo Poveda up front.
Up next
Next, Paul Harsley’s side return to Premier League 2 action when they face Tottenham at the Academy Stadium on Saturday 15 December, kick-off at 3pm.
