Hoffenheim host Bayer Leverkusen as race for UEFA Champions League football heats up
Fifth takes on sixth on Saturday as in-form Hoffenheim host 2024 Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in an eagerly anticipated encounter promising goals and attacking football.
When Erik ten Hag’s Leverkusen were beaten 2-1 by Hoffenheim on the opening weekend of the season, the result was seen as something of a calamity for Die Werkself given Hoffenheim’s relegation battle the previous season.
Since then, a lot has changed. Kasper Hjulmand is at the helm after ten Hag’s tenure lasted a mere three matches, and Leverkusen have turned around their shocking start to the season to put themselves right back in contention for European football.
Watch: Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Hoffenheim on Matchday 1
Alejandro Grimaldo has been the side’s talisman, influencing the entire game from his position on the left, and in the centre of the park, Aleix García has stepped up to fill the void left by Granit Xhaka's departure. Other members of the old guard, in Edmond Tapsoba and Patrik Schick, also remain reliable as ever.
A host of new young talent has also given Leverkusen a new look and a different threat. Ernest Poku, Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza have all played big parts since arriving in the summer, despite all being 21 or under.
Going into this weekend, only Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart have earned more points than Leverkusen since Hjulmand took charge, although the Danish tactician's team have played one game fewer as their Matchday 17 fixture was postponed.
Watch: Grimaldo: Leverkusen's beating heart
By contrast, Hoffenheim have been this season’s surprise package, bouncing back from last term’s dismal showing to be back amongst the battle for European football. Christian Ilzer's side have been superb, with a host of new signings making an immediate impact.
Wouter Burger and Leon Avdullahu have slotted straight into midfield to give Hoffenheim an extra edge. At the back, the experienced Vladimir Coufal has provided extra class both going forward and defensively, whereas up front, Tim Lemperle has proved another excellent option in an already stacked attack.
However, Hoffenheim’s best ‘signing’ has been Fisnik Asllani. The Kosovan spent last season on loan at Elversberg and has immediately found his place in attack since returning, scoring six and providing two assists in the Bundesliga. Nineteen-year-old Bazoumana Toure is also enjoying a breakout season at the club, scoring two and providing four assists.
Recent meetings between the top-four hopefuls have been largely one-way traffic outside of Hoffenheim’s surprise opening day victory at the BayArena.
Prior to August’s defeat, Saturday’s visitors had won the last five meetings and six out of the last seven. In fact, Hoffenheim haven’t won a home game against Leverkusen since 1 February 2020.
Given their current form (seven wins and one loss in their last ten), the hosts will have every chance of ending that run this weekend. A win for either side could go a long way in their battle for Champions League football next season.
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