Hertha Berlin have survived a rousing late fightback from Hoffenheim to snatch victory in a dramatic finale at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, with a brace from Adrian Ramos proving the difference in a 3-2 thriller.
The visitors were ahead inside 15 minutes in Sinsheim thanks to a clinical finish from Anis Ben-Hatira, who slammed home a low cross into the far corner with authority.
Hoffenheim were frustrated in their efforts to respond and fell further behind early in the second half. Ramos was fouled inside the penalty area before getting up to score from the spot with a composed finish.
The referee soon levelled things up on the penalty count, though, as Hoffenheim were thrown a lifeline by the official, allowing Sejad Salihovic to reduce the deficit with nerves of steel less than 20 minutes from time.
Salilovic then produced a moment of quality to bring the hosts level with eight minutes left, curling home a free kick as Hoffenheim closed in on a point.
There was still time for the momentum to swing back towards Berlin, though. Hertha raced up the other end from the restart, picking out Ramos to score the winning goal as he headed into the corner from close range.
Liam Power
