Frankfurt knew that a tough test awaited them with the visit of a Hoffenheim side who had only lost once away from home in the league so far this season. However, with 18 minutes played, Die Adler hit the front.
A beautifully weighted ball over the top from Can Uzun found Arnaud Kalimuendo, who chested it down well before powering a shot past Oliver Baumann to score in back-to-back Frankfurt appearances.
Having taken the lead, the hosts were very nearly pegged back just three minutes later when a corner picked out Ozan Kabak, but his downward header came back off the left post.
The home fans would have hoped that the early goal would have given their side some confidence, but the remainder of the first half saw the visitors looking like the stronger side.
Hoffenheim were more of a threat in attack, and they ought to have drawn level in the first minute of stoppage time. Fisnik Asllani’s cross found Wouter Burger unmarked, but the midfielder’s close-range header was straight at Kaua Santos.
Hoffenheim might not have been too concerned to have found themselves behind at the break, given that they had conceded in five of their last seven wins. And just seven minutes after the restart, they deservedly drew level.
A cross into the area from Burger found Max Moerstedt, who bravely competed for a header knowing he was likely to take contact from Santos, and he got to the ball first to send it home from close range.
The home fans would have been concerned after seeing their team pegged back, and just eight minutes later their worst fears were confirmed as a cross into the area by Burger was glanced into the far corner by Kabak to complete the turnaround.
Having taken the lead, Die Kraichgauer doubled their advantage just five minutes later when Vladimir Coufal’s shot from near to the byline took a deflection off Aurele Amenda to wrong-foot Santos and beat him at his near post.
The managerless hosts never looked likely to get back into the contest as they registered only one more shot on target after their goal.
Hoffenheim move to within three points of second-placed Dortmund with this impressive victory which consolidates their place in the top four, while Frankfurt remain seventh and are now winless in their last six matches in all competitions.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim)