TSG Hoffenheim delivered a statement performance in the DFB-Pokal on 22 August 2026, cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Erzgebirge Aue at the Erzgebirgsstadion. The Bundesliga side were clinical, composed, and ultimately far too strong for their third-tier hosts.

Hoffenheim’s early control

Aue started with obvious energy and made the early running, but Hoffenheim’s quality soon told. The opening goal came from a well-worked move down the right, with a low cross turned in at the near post. From that moment, the visitors looked entirely comfortable, keeping possession and stretching the home defence with sharp diagonal passes.

Hoffenheim doubled their lead before the interval and then took complete control early in the second half. A third goal arrived from a set piece, and the fourth came late as Aue pushed forward in search of a consolation. The final scoreline of 4-0 was a fair reflection of the gap in class.

Tactical story

Aue’s 4-2-3-1 setup allowed them to stay compact in the opening 20 minutes, but Hoffenheim’s constant movement and width eventually pulled the home structure apart. Hoffenheim’s pressing game made it difficult for Aue to build sustained attacks, and the hosts rarely managed to seriously trouble the visiting goalkeeper.

What the result means

• Hoffenheim advance with confidence: A clean sheet and four goals provide a strong platform for their upcoming league and cup fixtures.
• Aue left to focus on the league: The cup exit allows the third-tier club to concentrate fully on their promotion push.
• Clinical finishing makes the difference: Hoffenheim converted four of their best chances, while Aue were left to rue their lack of cutting edge.

For Hoffenheim, this was the kind of professional, controlled cup performance that builds momentum. For Erzgebirge Aue, the scoreline was harsh, but the difference in quality was clear throughout the evening.