Kiel on the rise, Hoffenheim under pressure

Did you know that…

…Hoffenheim almost always take points against Bundesliga newcomers?

TSG Hoffenheim have lost only one of their last 15 matches against promoted Bundesliga clubs (eight wins and six draws). TSG ran out 3-2 winners against Holstein Kiel in the first half-season: that match on 24 August 2024 was also Kiel's debut in the top flight.

…Hoffenheim have set many negative records this season?

With only 14 points from 17 matches, Hoffenheim have had the worst first half of a season in the club's Bundesliga history. In addition, TSG are winless in nine competitive matches and have not picked up a single victory across their 13 away matches this term – a negative record since Bundesliga promotion in 2008. The last triumph to date under Christian Ilzer was the 4-3 win over Leipzig.

…Kiel are offensively strong but defensively vulnerable?

Holstein Kiel have recently won two consecutive Bundesliga home games for the first time, scoring four goals on both occasions – the first promoted club to do this since 1972/73. At the same time, Kiel have the division's worst defence with 43 goals conceded and let in the most goals in the first half-season (26). With 19 goals conceded, Hoffenheim had the second-worst defensive record in the first half of the campaign (joint with Bremen).

…the Kiel duo of Phil Harres and Shuto Machino inject attacking impetus?

The two attacking players have each scored seven goals in this Bundesliga campaign – a feat that has only been achieved for a promoted club over the last 40 years by Vedad Ibisevic (18) and Demba Ba (7) of TSG Hoffenheim in 2008/09. Phil Harres has also been directly involved in two goals in each of his last three Bundesliga matches – an accomplishment that has only been achieved by Emil Forsberg of Leipzig since 2004/05. Since Matchday 15, Patrik Schick is the only player in the league that has been involved in more goals than Harres (five goals, one assist).

…Hoffenheim's attack is in crisis?

Hoffenheim have failed to score in six of their first 10 competitive games under Christian Ilzer. Since the 4-3 win over Leipzig on Matchday 11, TSG have only scored three goals in six Bundesliga matches – only St. Pauli have been worse in attack (two goals).

Match facts and statistics »