FIRST TEAM
04/16/2012

Five-horse race for Europa League

Despite a tough first half to the season that saw previous manager Holger Stanislawski relieved of his post, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have rediscovered some stability under new manager Markus Babbel.

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Along with VfB Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen, Hannover 96 and Werder Bremen, the Sinsheim outfit have managed to force their way into contention for the three Europa League places. Following their 0-0 draw in Freiburg on matchday 31, Babbel's team are in ninth on 41 points, just three away from seventh-placed Hannover. A crunch game awaits TSG this week however, as they welcome Leverkusen to the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

TSG have a chance to qualify for a European competition for the first time in their history, which would be a truly remarkable achievement for a club that only reached the Bundesliga in 2008. Striker Sven Schipplock understands exactly how big a test awaits for him and his teammates in the final three games of the campaign. “It's been a difficult season for us, but there is still the possibility of getting into Europe and that is a huge opportunity”, says the 23-year-old. “We will be giving it everything we have. On Saturday we have Bayer Leverkusen, but it's a home game and that means it's in our hands. It's the first of three massive games for the club.”

There is still time for you to get your hands on a ticket and support the team in their push for a European finish. Tickets can be purchased from the fan shop at the stadium, online at http://www.achtzehn99.de/tickets-online-kaufen and at all recognised outlets.

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