Battle for the premier class: RB is "aware of its importance"

The pressure is mounting for RB Leipzig in the battle for the Champions League. A home win against third-placed TSG Hoffenheim on Friday (20:30/Sky) is therefore almost a must-win. "We are aware of the importance of the game. We want to seize this huge opportunity with all our might," said RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner, adding: "Nothing will be decided yet."

Schlager or Banzuzi?

Just five days after the 1-0 defeat at table-topping neighbors VfB Stuttgart, the Saxons are once again up against a fellow contender for the top flight. "It's a top match, so you have to be at your best in all phases of the game. If you want to pick out key factors, then Hoffenheim are a team that play very physically. They manage to prevent switching moments through clever fouls and good tackling," analyzed Werner.

The 37-year-old has not yet decided whether he will start Xaver Schlager or Ezechiel Banzuzi in midfield, as he did in Stuttgart.

Only Nagelsmann managed TSG victory in Leipzig

With a win, RB could draw level with the third-placed Kraichgauers on points (50). The record speaks for Leipzig. They have won eight of their previous eleven home games against TSG. Sinsheim have only won one of their last four games. The last point gained in Leipzig came in April 2021 in a 0-0 draw. The only win at the Red Bull Arena came in 2018 in a 5-2 victory for current national coach Julian Nagelsmann.