After scoring three times in the opening 15 minutes of their five-goal demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach last time out, it would be Werder who needed to defend in the opening stages, as Robert Skov posed a huge danger cutting in from the right, but fired just wide twice within the first three minutes.
Ole Werner’s men were able to compose themselves and establish control within the game, and reaped the rewards by taking the lead.
A throwback piece of link-up play between Fullkrug and his striker partner Marvin Ducksch allowed the latter to sweep home a first-time effort, netting in back-to-back Bremen games.
Andre Breitenreiter’s men didn’t panic, using some of their vociferous home support as motivation to strike back before the break. Perhaps too confident, the visitors were caught on the transition as Dennis Geiger slotted in Mu’nas Dabbur to confidently finish beyond Jiri Pavlenka.
Die Kraichgauer ought to have taken the lead moments after levelling when Christoph Baumgartner cut inside and fired at goal, but he was denied by the post.
The hosts completely took control of the contest after half time as they pushed on for a goal to put them into the lead. Baumgartner, Andrej Kramaric and Grischa Promel all went close to finding a potentially decisive strike, but Hoffenheim were being left frustrated.
Despite their continued domination of the play, there was plenty of need for caution, as no side in the Bundesliga has netted more in the final 10 minutes than Bremen.
Perhaps that record was playing on a few minds as Stanley Nsoki made a very poor challenge inside the area, hauling down Mitchell Weiser and gifting the visitors a spot-kick.
Bundesliga top-scorer Fullkrug stepped up to emphatically beat Oliver Baumann and temporarily send Bremen into the top four.
A first home defeat of the season for Hoffenheim underlines an alarming slump that has seen them claim just two points from a possible nine.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Niclas Fullkrug (Werder Bremen)
