Frankfurt come from behind to beat Hoffenheim, Freiburg also win

Sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt fought back to win 3-1 at home against rivals Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday while Freiburg also won to keep up their hopes of a European spot alive.

Michael Gregoritsch starred as Freiburg prevailed 2-1 at fourth-bottom Bochum to go eighth, with nine-men Hoffenheim now in seventh on the same points but ahead on goal difference.

Frankfurt occupy the guaranteed Conference League spot having increased their cushion to seven points, but seventh might also be enough for Europe depending on who wins the German Cup.

John Anthony Brooks headed in an early corner for Hoffenheim but the American was then shown a straight red midway through the first half for a professional foul.

The hosts levelled through another centre back, Robin Koch, before the interval and a header after a good move from Éric Dina Ebimbe put Frankfurt in the lead after the break.

Mario Götze made the game safe on 64 minutes, especially when Ozan Kabak received a second booking to leave Hoffenheim with nine men.

Later, unbeaten leaders Bayer Leverkusen can re-establish their 10-point advantage over Bayern Munich with nine games to go with a win at home to Wolfsburg.

Freiburg coach Christian Streich brought Gregoritsch into the starting line-up following his winning goal off the bench in Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg against West Ham United.

And it was the Austria forward who bravely headed on a cross for midfielder Maximilian Eggestein to slot home his first of the league season on 36 minutes.

Gregoritsch extended the lead when he nodded in Ritsu Doan's inviting cross on 53 minutes and although Ivan Ordets pulled one back for Bochum, the Black Forest club did well to hang on for the win.

"A win like this is extremely important for morale," said Gregoritsch, whose side head to London for their second leg at West Ham this Thursday.

Bochum, who had their chances and a penalty appeal waved away, were looking strong at home but have now lost their last two games at the Ruhrstadion since stunning Bayern 3-2 there last month.

It is now three defeats in a row across the board for Thomas Letsch's side, who are seven points above Cologne in the relegation play-off spot.