Bremen's US forward Joshua Sargent, Bremen's German midfielder Maximilian Eggestein and Hertha Berlin's Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha (center) vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match Werder Bremen v Hertha Berlin in Bremen on Sept 19, 2020. (PATRIK STOLLARZ / AFP)

BERLIN - Hertha Berlin recovered from their first round German Cup exit to crush Werder Bremen 4-1, while Hoffenheim overpowered a resilient Cologne side 3-2 thanks to Andrej Kramaric's last-gasp goal in the opening round of the 2020/21 Bundesliga on Saturday.

With the 2-0 lead, Hertha Berlin played conservatively after the interval, and Werder Bremen failed to pose a threat to Hertha's well-positioned defense

Hertha took the initiative from the kick-off whereas Bremen focused on their defence.

Despite their dominance, Hertha needed 19 minutes to create the first clear-cut opportunity as Krzysztof Piatek's header rattled the crossbar.

Bremen needed 30 minutes to gain a foothold into the game as Joshua Sargent tested Alexander Scholow with a long-range effort.

Hertha opened the scoring as Peter Pekarik had time and space to nod home Maximilian Mittelstadt's pinpoint cross in the 42nd minute.

Maximilian Eggestein's moment of madness allowed Vladimir Darida to pass into the path of Dodi Lukebakio, who finished off a fast break after beating Jiri Pavlenka from the edge of the box in the dying seconds of the first half.

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With the 2-0 lead, Hertha played conservatively after the interval, and Bremen failed to pose a threat to Hertha's well-positioned defense.

Even though Hertha kept their efforts to a minimum, they further extended their lead on 63 minutes as Jhon Cordoba assisted Matheus Cunha, whose low shot made it 3-0.

Bremen pulled a goal back six minutes later after Davie Selke headed Ludwig Augustinsson's pinpoint cross into the area.

The "Herthaner" should have restored their three-goal advantage in the 71st minute, but Cordoba failed to beat Pavlenka in a one-on-one.

Hertha's new arrival remained in the thick of things as Cordoba scored his debut goal in his first match in the closing period.

"It is a good start to the Bundesliga season but most importantly, we won today. I am of course delighted that I was able to help my team with a goal," Hertha defender Pekarik said.

Hoffenheim also started the Bundesliga season off with a victory after they overpowered Cologne 3-2 thank's to Kramaric's hattrick.

Cologne had the worst possible start on home soil as Jonas Hector's return pass was intercepted by Kramaric, who kept his cool and nutmegged goalkeeper Timo Horn for the opener with only three minutes gone.

Hoffenheim dominated possession and produced more promising chances but Horn was on guard to deny Kramaric and Pavel Kaderabek in the 18th minute.

Hoffenheim's wastefulness was punished moments later after Jan Thielmann's long ball into the box found new arrival Sebastian Andersson, who headed home the equalizer against the run of play.

Just before the break, Hoffenheim took a 2-1 lead as a VAR-assisted penalty was awarded after Rafael Czichos was fouled inside the box. Kramaric stepped up and slotted home past Horn.

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Cologne came out highly motivated after half-time and dominated proceedings, but still the "Billy Goats" squandered a number of chances.

Hoffenheim defended deep in the hope of protecting their narrow lead to the final whistle, but it didn't work out as Cologne substitute Dominick Drexler tapped home a rebound from close range to restore parity in the 88th minute.

It was short-lived joy for the hosts though, as Hoffenheim had the last laugh when Kramaric unleashed a 15-meter hammer to snatch the 3-2 win in injury-time.

Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt shared the spoils with newly-promoted Arminia Bielefeld following a 1-1 draw. Augsburg downed Union Berlin 3-1 with two late goals, while Freiburg secured a 3-2 victory over newly-promoted Stuttgart.