Hoffenheim claim first ever point against Leverkusen

Ahead of Saturday's match, Andreas Ibertsberger was quoted as saying Hoffenheim "have never had a good game" against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Before the weekend Hoffenheim had lost all four meetings between the two teams and were determined to set the record straight. 1899 trainer Ralf Rangnick opted for a change of system from last weekend's 4-0 win over Frankfurt and set his team up in the preferred 4-3-3 formation. Haas continued in goal in place of the injured Tom Starke, the back four remained unchanged and Gustavo, Rudy and Salihovic made up the three-man midfield. The only change to the side was the inclusion of Peniel Mlapa at the expense of Demba Ba, with Boris Vukcevic on the opposite flank and Ibisevic spearheading the front line.

Lightning start from the visitors

1899 Hoffenheim wasted no time as they were up and running from the very first whistle, Rudy getting in an early cross that flew just past both Ibisevic and Mlapa in the Leverkusen area. Leverkusen were comfortable with the ball, while Hoffenheim were staying strong and compact at the back and allowing no room to manoeuvre for their opponents. Renato Augusto was the first player to have a decent effort, but his long-range effort drifted harmlessly wide of Haas's goal. As the visitors turned the screw they were looking more and more comfortable in possession. Then in the 8th minute the deadlock was broken when Sidney Sam he took time to pick his spot and curl and effort into the far corner giving the guests a 0-1 lead. Then moments later with Hoffenheim still reeling from the early setback were two behind when captain Andreas Beck brought down Augusto in the penalty area. Arturo Vidal stepped up calmly to slot the spot kick past a stranded Haas, putting 1899 in a terrible situation early on in the match.

With Hoffenheim completely rocked by two goals in quick succession, Leverkusen continued to press their advantage, while the men from Kraichgau were simply trying to get themselves back into the match. Ibisevic came close on the 25th minute, but couldn't convert Beck's cross and Ibisevic and Mlapa twice had opportunities to test Rene Adler, but neither of them could find the back of the net with the efforts. The first half pettered out with a distinct lack of action; Leverkusen were happy to sit back on their two goal lead, while Hoffenheim were unable to break their way through Leverkusen's backline and it looked like the teams would go in with the score staying at 0-2. However, Sejad Salihovic had other ideas when he lined up a free-kick on the right side and saw it nestle in the back of Adler's net in the 38th minute to get Hoffenheim right back into the match, setting up an intriguing second half.

Hoffenheim fight till the bitter end

Rangnick did not hesitate in making change at half-time as he brought on Demba Ba for the unproductive Peniel Mlapa. Hoffenheim came out for the second half in search of an equaliser and in the 49th minute Ibisevic really should have obliged when he turned his man in the box, but his effort was wasted as he shot straight at Adler. As time ticked on Hoffenheim were the team fully in control of the match as they allowed Leverkusen no time on the ball, while the visitors tried to hang onto their narrow lead. The home team, however, were the only team likely to score as they were keen not to give in to the curse against Bayer 04. Despite their pressure, though, 1899 were struggling to create any sort of a chance in front of goal. Gylfi Sigurdsson was brought on and provided the pass for the equaliser when he whipped in a lovely free-kick towards Demba Ba. However, the Senegalese striker couldn't get enough on the ball while he was stretching to really test Adler, while Rudy and Sigurdsson both missed opportunities to test the German international keeper.

Karma plays a part

After suffering so many last gasp defeats this season, the cries were ringing out in the pre-match build up for 1899 to be patient until the bitter end. For once, though, 1899 were not on the receiving end of a late goal as karma played its part in a dramatic end to the match. Marvin Compper managed to find himself in an attacking position and was able to win Hoffenheim a last minute penalty when he was brought down in the box. Substitute Sigurdsson stepped and confidently converted the spot kick to earn a deserved point for the men from Kraichgau.

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