Schalke missed a chance to pull closer to the European spots in the Bundesliga as they lost at home 1-0 against Hoffenheim thanks to a lacklustre showing. Hoffenheim bounced back from their 1-0 loss at Energie Cottbus in the German Cup quarter-finals with Isaac Vorsah scoring the game's only goal after just four minutes.

Schalke failed to build upon their extra-time last-minute victory over Nurnberg in the cup to remain on 25 points for 11th place - eight points from fifth. Hoffenheim have lost just once in their last eight games and have moved to 29 points in eighth place.

Hoffenheim jumped ahead after just four minutes from a set-piece with Seja Salihovic's corner from the right side finding Vorsah for a header from four yards out.

Babel causing bother
The guests missed a chance to double their advantage at the half-hour mark as Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer stopped Ryan Babel's attempt, though if he had looked, Vedad Ibisevic was open on the counter attack. Babel was again close five minutes before the break, blasting just right past the post.

Hoffenheim remained the dominant team after the half-time interval but missed another golden chance just seconds after coming out of the changing room, with Ibisevic feeding Salihovic, who shot wide left from 12 yards despite plenty of space and time.

The second half lacked any real highlights until Hoffenheim's chance with ten minutes remaining, with Neuer stopping another Babel attempt.

Schalke's first real dangerous action came in the 90th minute from a set-piece as Hoffenheim's David Alaba cleared Peer Kluge's attempt from under his own bar.