Adam Hlozek’s dramatic stoppage-time strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Hoffenheim against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, denying the visitors their record-equalling 12th win of the season.
Hugo Ekitike’s double put Frankfurt on track for victory, with goals in both halves bolstering their position in the Bundesliga table.
However, as the clock ticked into the 95th minute, Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric delivered a deft chip to Hlozek, who lashed home the equaliser.
The result could prove pivotal for Hoffenheim, who remain four points above the relegation zone as they battle to preserve their top-flight status.
For Frankfurt, the late concession means they sit 11 points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich but maintain a comfortable five-point cushion over fourth-placed Stuttgart.
Frankfurt’s coach, Dino Toppmoeller, had challenged Ekitike to fill the void left by Omar Marmoush’s move to Manchester City, and the French forward responded emphatically.
He won and converted a contentious penalty in the 26th minute after being stepped on by Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma.
Despite Hoffenheim’s early struggles, they found their footing after halftime. Tom Bischof’s assist appeared to set up a Hlozek equaliser, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Moments later, Hlozek turned provider, crossing for Gift Orban, who netted his first goal since joining from Lyon.
Ekitike restored Frankfurt’s lead in the 71st minute with his 11th goal of the season, finishing off a delivery from Rasmus Kristensen. Yet the visitors’ hopes were dashed by Hlozek’s last-gasp heroics.
Hoffenheim’s point offers much-needed breathing room in their fight against relegation.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt’s inability to secure three points leaves them further behind Bayern Munich but comfortably ahead in the race for European qualification.
Elsewhere, St. Pauli, one point behind Hoffenheim, face Union Berlin later on Sunday. Union, buoyed by their recent 2-1 victory over Mainz, are seeking to maintain their momentum.
