On March 9, 2025, TSG Hoffenheim and 1. FC Heidenheim played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Sinsheim Arena, highlighting not only the need for points but also marking a historic moment in the Bundesliga as it was the first time on back-to-back matchdays where no home team secured victory.
The match saw Hoffenheim entering with the confidence of having gone unbeaten for three consecutive games, albeit struggling with several key players absent due to injuries and suspensions. The visitors, Heidenheim, found themselves at the bottom of the table and were hoping to turn their fortunes around.
With both teams desperate for points, the match started with high intensity. Hoffenheim suffered an early setback when defensive midfielder Diadié Samassékou was forced off due to injury just five minutes in, replaced by Kevin Akpoguma. Despite the challenge, Hoffenheim found their rhythm and began to dominate possession.
Throughout the first half, Tom Bischof tested the Heidenheim defense with some notable attempts, with one powerful long-range effort drifting over the bar. Hoffenheim's persistence paid off when Haris Tabaković managed to net the opening goal during the 34th minute, capitalizing on a clever throw-in from Valentin Gendrey. The Bosnian forward, with great instinct, nodded the ball over Heidenheim's goalkeeper, Kevin Müller, giving Hoffenheim a deserved 1-0 lead.
Going to halftime, Hoffenheim looked solid, but with the scoreline being thin, they knew they needed to extend their lead. On the other hand, Heidenheim, spurred by the need for points, made tactical adjustments at halftime, bringing on striker Budu Zivzivadze for Tim Siersleben. This proved pivotal for the visitors.
The second half commenced with renewed vigor from Heidenheim as they pressed high and maintained pressure on Hoffenheim's defense. The change injected newfound energy, and it wasn't long before Zivzivadze himself leveled the score at 1-1 with a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area. His shot swerved and curled beautifully, finding the top corner. "I am very happy because it is my first goal in the Bundesliga. It is a dream come true. I have always dreamed of playing in one of the top-five leagues. Now I am here and happy to have scored," Zivzivadze expressed jubilantly after the game.
Both teams pushed for the winner as the match progressed, with Adrian Beck of Heidenheim particularly lively with multiple attempts on goal. Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer introduced Dennis Geiger to help regain control of the midfield as they sensed the threat from Heidenheim. Despite several near-misses from both sides, including close calls from Hoffenheim’s Kramarić and Heidenheim's new signing Wanner, neither team could clinch the victory.
The match ended with both teams earning a valuable point. Haris Tabaković, reflecting on the draw said, "Of course we wanted to win today to make another step. Due to yesterday's results, it shows we just have to keep at it. We are still not out of it, we need to keep going, we need to secure wins. That counts." With the draw, Hoffenheim moved to 26 points, sitting 13th on the table, and Heidenheim remained at 16 points, still last.
Hoffenheim next faces FC St. Pauli on March 14, 2025, as they seek to build on their recent unbeaten form. Meanwhile, Heidenheim will host Holstein Kiel on March 16, 2025, needing to convert their performances to wins if they hope to escape the relegation zone.
This match served as yet another reminder of the fierce competition present in the Bundesliga, where every point counts as teams fight to assert themselves as the season progresses.