achtzehn99 - Review 2009

January 2009

The first month of the new year began with a major setback for Hoffenheim, who had led the way into the Christmas break at the top of the Bundesliga. Top goalscorer Vedad Ibisevic injured the cruciate ligament in his knee at the winter training camp in La Manga in a friendly match against Hamburger SV. It meant 6 months out for the Bosnian striker, who had led the scoring charts in the Bundesliga with 18 goals. Still, there was some positive news in January as the brand-new Rhein-Neckar-Arena was opened to a full house in Sinsheim.

On the field, Hoffenheim got off to a good start to the New Year with first-half goals from Demba Ba and Boubacar Sanogo ensuring all three points in a 2-0 victory over struggling Energie Cottbus.

24.01.: Opening of the Rhein-Neckar-Arena

31.01.: 1899 Hoffenheim 2-0 Energie Cottbus