Hoffenheim moved to the top of the Bundesliga with a convincing 3-0 win over Hamburger SV yesterday.

Chinedu Obasi scored two goals as Ralf Rangnick’s surprise team remained undefeated at home. It has 19 points after nine rounds, one point ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

Hoffenheim went ahead 2-0 with goals by Obasi in the seventh and Vedad Ibisevic in the 13th. Obasi struck his second goal on a counterattack in the 35th and Sejad Salihovic hit the post in the 40th as the frantic pace continued.

Hamburg, who remained on 17 points for third place, tried to recover but failed against Hoffenheim’s solid backline.

“We recognise that we are in first place. But that is not what is important for us. We want to stay on our plan and continue to develop,” Hoffenheim general manager Jan Schindelmeiser said. “Of course we are surprised that the success has come so quickly. But we knew the guys we have are very talented and willing to learn and improve.

“The thing which has been most important is that the team continually develops, starting back in the second half of last season in the second division.”

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he recognised the threat from Hoffenheim.

“Every team ahead of FC Bayern in the standings deserves our respect. And they have the respect of Bayern,” said Rummenigge, whose club is fifth with 15 points after overcoming a two-goal deficit Saturday with a 4-2 victory over visiting Wolfsburg.

Stuttgart is just one point behind Hamburg in fourth place after a 2-0 victory at home over VfL Bochum.

Stuttgart struggled to break through against Bochum’s defense until two late goals from Mario Gomez in the 80th and 83rd.

Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin drew 1-1 in Dortmund. Cicero converted a penalty kick in the 31st minute for Hertha, and Sebastian Kehl scored in the 71st.

Hertha has 15 points for sixth place and Dortmund is eighth with 14.

On Saturday, it was: Energie Cottbus 2, Eintracht Frankfurt 3; Borussia Moenchengladbach 1, Karlsruher 0; Schalke 0, Arminia Bielefeld 0; and Hannover 1, Werder Bremen 1.

Leverkusen beat FC Cologne 2-0 on Friday.