Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim 23 Aug 2025

🔎 Overview

The Bundesliga 2025–26 campaign kicks off for Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim in what promises to be a compelling clash at the BayArena. This fixture marks a new era for Leverkusen as Erik ten Hag takes charge following the departure of Xabi Alonso. With key players like Florian Wirtz, Frimpong, and Xhaka moving on during the summer, Leverkusen are undergoing a significant rebuild.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, arrive in Leverkusen aiming to shake off a poor record away from home and challenge the reshaped giants in their own backyard.

📊 Head-to-Head Stats

• 🆚 Total Matches: 34

• ✅ Leverkusen Wins: 21

• ✅ Hoffenheim Wins: 7

• 🟰 Draws: 6

• ⚽ Last meeting: Leverkusen 3–1 Hoffenheim (Feb 2025 – Bundesliga)

Leverkusen hold a dominant record in this fixture and haven’t lost at home to Hoffenheim since 2015. They also scored 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 encounters against them.

🧠 Tactical Preview

🔴 Bayer Leverkusen

• Manager: Erik ten Hag

• Formation: Likely 4‑2‑3‑1 or 3‑4‑2‑1

• Strengths: Fluid possession football, aggressive pressing, tactical flexibility

• Key Additions: Loïc Badé (CB, from Sevilla)

• Concerns: Lack of chemistry after squad changes; absence of key creators

🔑 Key Player: Victor Boniface – The powerful striker will be central to Leverkusen’s attacking threat in the post-Wirtz era.

🔵 TSG Hoffenheim

• Manager: Pellegrino Matarazzo

• Formation: Likely 3-5-2 or 4-3-3

• Strengths: Counter-attacking pace, set-piece danger

• Weaknesses: Fragile away form, defensive gaps

🔑 Key Player: Andrej Kramarić – The veteran forward remains Hoffenheim’s creative engine and finisher.

📉 Form Guide (Last 5 Bundesliga Matches)

• Leverkusen have won 3 of their last 5 league games

• Hoffenheim ended last season with patchy form, including 3 losses in 5 outings

📈 What to Expect

Bayer Leverkusen are entering a transitional season, but there’s still enough firepower and structure to make them formidable at home. Ten Hag will likely push for a possession-heavy, controlled performance. Hoffenheim’s best chance lies in absorbing pressure and striking on the counter.

That said, Hoffenheim’s poor away record (winless in 82% of their last 17 away games) could be a critical factor.

🔮 Prediction

• Scoreline: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 Hoffenheim

• Goal Scorers: Boniface, Adli (Leverkusen); Kramarić (Hoffenheim)

• Result Summary: Leverkusen edge it with home dominance and superior attacking depth, despite missing some of their former stars.

Bayer Leverkusen

Hoffenheim