They took a long time to get going at Bochum, but a sparkling second-half display gave Hoffenheim yet another win in the end.
Three goals in the space of eight minutes turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory, the fourth in a row for the Bundesliga newcomers. The result catapults them over Leverkusen and back to the top of the table, while defeat sent Bochum sliding back into the relegation zone.
Grote opens scoring
With just three minutes on the clock, Dennis Grote got the hosts off to the perfect start with a low shot from the edge of the area. Bochum's aggressive style subsequently made life very hard for the visitors for the rest of the half, with 1899's much-vaunted attack restricted to a chance on the break for Vedad Ibisevic (20.) and a header from Chinedu Obasi, well saved by VfL keeper Daniel Fernandes shortly before the break.
Hoffenheim pressure
Hoffenheim upped the tempo in the second half and with just over an hour played Demba Ba got them back on level terms in style, backheeling in a low cross from Carlos Eduardo. Bochum hero Grote turned villain a few minutes later, fouling Andreas Beck inside the box.
League top scorer Vedad Ibisevic duly slotted home the penalty (70.) to put the guests in front. 1899 had really hit a purple patch now and all of a minute later Carlos Eduardo rounded off an excellent personal shift with the goal that made it 3-1.
Rounding things off in a different sense for Bochum, midfielder Christoph Dabrowski was sent off in the 76th minute for a second bookable offence.
Comeback saves “Wolves”
Treading water
Honours even in Hanover