#TSGB04: Battle for the European berths

Did you know that…

…Bayer 04 Leverkusen used to be a bogey team for TSG?

In the 21 previous meetings between the two teams, Leverkusen won 14 times (D3 L4) and scored 44 goals. The only Bundesliga club against whom Hoffenheim have a worse record is Bayern Munich.

…their recent record against the 'Werkself' has been significantly better?

Recent encounters offer Julian Nagelsmann and his charges reason to be optimistic, however. TSG have only lost one of their last six meetings with Leverkusen. Otherwise, they have drawn two and won three – including the 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture – in this period.

…Leverkusen have got off to a great start under Peter Bosz?

The Dutchman replaced Heiko Herrlich as head coach during the winter break. Since then, Bayer have climbed from ninth position to sixth and have the third-most points (18) since Christmas.

…TSG have exactly as many points as they did at the same stage last season?

Hoffenheim have 38 points on the board after 26 rounds of matches – exactly the same amount they had with eight games to go in the 2017/18 season. Back then, TSG went on a run that saw them pick up a further 17 points and climb to third place.

…both teams are battling for a place in European competition?

TSG currently occupy ninth place, four points behind sixth-placed Leverkusen. That means the match is a battle between two direct rivals for the European places. The top six teams will definitely qualify for European competition, while the seventh-placed team may get a place in the Europa League qualifiers if the DFB Cup winners qualify for Europe via their final placement in the Bundesliga.