Borussia Dortmund vs TSG Hoffenheim

Signal Iduna Park sets the stage for a high-stakes Bundesliga showdown between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim.

Borussia Dortmund had to swallow a bitter pill in midweek Champions League action as Barcelona narrowly edged them in a five-goal thriller on this ground (2-3), resulting in Nuri Sahin’s side dropping out of the automatic qualification spots. Unfortunately, the picture looks equally bleak in the Bundesliga, where they trail table-topping Bayern Munich by a substantial 12 points after drawing their last two league outings! Already out of the title conversations, Die Borussen must play catch-up to return into the top-four frame. There’s no better place to embark on that quest than Signal Iduna Park, where they had been faultless in their first six top-flight games (W6) before a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against the Bavarians a fortnight ago. Revenge could be a powerful motive as Dortmund bid to settle the account with Hoffenheim following a 3-2 defeat in this corresponding fixture last term.

Meanwhile, despite remaining in contention for Europa League knockout progression, Hoffenheim’s top-flight status is under imminent threat after a disheartening run of one win from their last six league matches (D3, L2) left them deeply embroiled in the relegation battle. Only three points clear of the bottom three, Christian Ilzer’s underperforming side hits the road in pursuit of their first away league win this season (D3, L3). However, an underwhelming attacking output of just three goals from six Bundesliga travels cannot inspire much confidence around the traveling camp. A tepid 0-0 home draw against FCSB in the build-up to this clash added insult to injury, stretching the visitors’ winless streak in all competitions to five games (D2, L3).