Hoffenheim continued on their merry way in the upper reaches of the Bundesliga, bouncing back from defeat at Hertha last week to beat VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 (2-2) at home.
Goals from league top scorer Vedad Ibisevic (22.), playmaker Carlos Eduardo (37.) and Chinedu Obasi (69.) secured the points for 1899, with Grafite (27.) and Edin Dzeko (40.) getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.
Strong start by hosts
Hoffenheim shifted straight into top gear and had their first good chance after seven minutes, which Ibiseivc failed to capitalise on. The Bosnian striker missed a second opportunity on the quarter-hour mark following a good move, but he made no mistake at the third time of asking, rattling home his 14th league goal of the season.
Wolves coach Felix Magath had put out a five-man defence to deal with the 1899 strike force, but it was not proving particularly effective at this stage. The visitors responded well to going behind however, and after Ibisevic missed out on putting Hoffenheim two-up, Grafite punished a moment of carelessness by the home defence to level for VfL.
All-square at half time
A free kick converted by Eduardo put Ralf Rangnick's side back in the driving seat, but the Wolves were proving most adept at taking what chances fell their way, with Dzeko pouncing on a mistake by home keeper Daniel Haas to send the sides into the break level.
In the second half Hoffenheim tried to up the pressure, but found it clear-cut scoring opportunities hard to come by at first.
For their part, Wolfsburg seemed content to sit back and await their chance on the counter. That tactic backfired however when Obasi notched what would prove to be the winner with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Goal-hungry “Wolves” maul visitors
1899 out in front again
Emphatic win for Wolfsburg