German surprise package Hoffenheim are at top of the Bundesliga at the
winter break after they sealed a 1-1 draw against powerhouse Schalke 04 in the
final match of 2008 at home yesterday.
The "village club" boast 35 points and stay ahead of defending champions
Bayern Munich on goal difference at the Bundesliga tables.
Hoffenheim are still unbeaten at home this season after nine games in
Mannheim (seven wins, two draws), and they will play their remaining games in
2009 in their newly-built stadium in Sinsheim.
Schalke made the better start, with Gerald Asamoah and Halil Altintop going
close to scoring, but Hoffenheim had their first good opportunity after 19
minutes when Schalke keeper Manuel Neuerparried Sejad Salihovic's free-kick.
Schalke broke the deadlock after 40 minutes when Asamoah coollyslotted home
after a great through ball by Altintop.
However, the host came back strong after the break, and Schalke lost their
head. Jermaine Jones was sent off for a second offence after 57 minutes.
Selim Teber equalized for Hoffenheim with a well-taken free-kick 18 minutes
from time.
Schalke were down to nine men with ten minutes left when Orlando Engelaar was
given his marching orders with a second yellow.
The hosts threw everything forward in search of a late winner, but the "Royal
Blues" defended well and held on.
