Hoffenheim – Bayer Leverkusen: Burger Strike Seals Hoffenheim’s Sixth Straight Home Victory (1-0)

Christian Ilzer’s tactical transformation of Hoffenheim reached a new milestone on January 17, 2026, as a resilient TSG side secured a tough 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, which extended their home winning streak to six matches. While Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen controlled the tempo for large periods, they were ultimately undone by a freak early goal and a defensive masterclass led by Oliver Baumann.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

The PreZero Arena was packed with expectation as two of the Bundesliga’s top 6 sides clashed for a spot in the Champions League places. Ilzer, having stabilized the Sinsheim outfit since his arrival, opted for a high-energy 4-2-3-1, prioritizing verticality and second-ball wins. Leverkusen, meanwhile, arrived under Hjulmand seeking to recover from a heavy defeat to Stuttgart, deploying a fluid 3-4-2-1 system that emphasized ball retention and wide rotations.

Hoffenheim’s setup featured Oliver Baumann protected by a back four of Vladimir Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Albian Hajdari, and Bernardo. The double pivot of Wouter Burger and Leon Avdullahu provided the platform for Andrej Kramarić, Fisnik Asllani, and Alexander Prass to support the lone striker, Tim Lemperle.

Leverkusen countered with Mark Flekken in goal. The defensive trio of Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, and Loïc Badé sat behind a midfield four featuring Aleix García and Equi Fernández centrally, flanked by Arthur and Alejandro Grimaldo. Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku operated in the half-spaces behind Patrik Schick.

Early goal, aggressive press

The match’s defining moment arrived in the 9th minute through a scenario that left Mark Flekken flummoxed . . .