Herrmann brace sees off Hoffenheim

Borussia Monchengladbach ended Hoffenheim's unbeaten record in the real top-of-the-table clash in the Bundesliga this weekend, moving into a share of second with Wolfsburg thanks to a 3-1 win.Andre Hahn gave the Foals the lead and Antonio Modeste's reply was cancelled out by Patrick Herrmann's brace as Lucien Favre's men moved back to within four points of league leaders Bayern Munich.Gladbach, who drew with Bayern a week ago, were always on top with Hoffenheim having few complaints about their first defeat of the season.The hosts took the lead with one of their now typical counter-attacks with Christoph Kramer releasing Herrmann down the left.A burst of pace took him past Andreas Beck and he lifted his pass back into the centre for Hahn, who threaded the needle with his volley beating Oliver Baumann and a defender on the line.Tarik Elyounoussi hit the post twice in quick succession at the other end, although the linesman's flag was raised anyway.On the half-hour mark, Hoffenheim showed just why they had not been beaten yet this season with a neat move involving Roberto Firmino and Steven Zuber setting up Modeste, who turned past his marker before powering his shot past Yann Sommer.Coach Markus Gisdol's joy on the Hoffenheim bench was short-lived as, within two minutes, Gladbach were back in front.This time it was Hahn who found a way through and his cross from the right was turned past Baumann at the near post by Herrmann.Herrmann doubled their lead early in the second half when Havard Nordtveit's free-kick was fumbled out to him by Baumann, leaving him with the easiest of finishes.Raffael hit the top of the crossbar as Gladbach looked to turn the screw, but there was not going to be any route back into the game for Hoffenheim.Favre was thus able to celebrate his 57th birthday in style, with three more points which strengthen Gladbach's candidacy for a place in the Champions League next season.