Pre-match facts: TSG vs. Kaiserslautern

At 20.30 CET on Thursday, May 23rd, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim welcome 1. FC Kaiserslautern to the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena for the first leg of their relegation play-off match. After a sensational result against Dortmund last Saturday, the Kraichgau side are hoping to follow it up with a win against their 2. Bundesliga opponents.

TSG are facing an opponent that has already had a few weeks to prepare for the game. The “Red Devils” were confirmed as third-place finishers on matchday 33 in the 2. Bundesliga, securing their spot in the relegation play-off. In the end, they left rivals FSV Frankfurt and 1. FC Köln four points adrift.

For statistic lovers, here are all the facts and figures ahead of the match between TSG and Kaiserslautern:

Did you know that…

…TSG have never lost to 1. FC Kaiserslautern?

The Kraichgau side have been victorious four times against tonight's opponents. There have also been two draws. The last meeting between the two sides was a 2-1 away win for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

…the first meeting between the two teams finished with a 1-0 home win for TSG?

On October 19th 2007, Vedad Ibisevic provided the winner, heading past former FCK keeper Florian Fromlowitz. Sejad Salihovic provided the assist.

...the Bundesliga relegation play-off match is uncharted territory for both sides?

In the history of the Bundesliga relegation play-off matches, neither TSG nor FCK have been involved.

...the relegation play-off match almost guarantees goals?

In the 31 previous relegation play-off matches there has only ever been one 0-0 draw. That was the result on June 9th 1988 for the decisive match between Waldhof Mannheim and Darmstadt 98, even after extra time. A penalty shootout finally separated the sides, with Waldhof winning 5-4.