With each step 1899 Hoffenheim's rise to the Bundesliga adds a new chapter to the illustrious story. Facing Schalke 04, Ralf Rangnick's men came from behind for a 1-1 draw to stand atop the Bundesliga at the break. It was far from a "easy going" match as tempers ran hot, resulting in over forty fouls and two red-cards.Schalke's defensive-minded approach worked well as the match began and it was also obvious that the normal bounce in the Hoffenheim step had slowed, the by-product of fatigue. After die Königsblauen early efforts were turned back by Daniel Haas, Sejad Salihović's free-kick was a menacing foe to deal with but was parried away by Manuel Neuer. Seven minutes before the break Vedad Ibišević provided Demba Ba a close-range opportunity but his effort flew wide. Two minutes later Schalke benefited from the genius of Turkish international Halil Altıntop who delivered an extraordinary through ball to Gerald Asamoah, who then drilled the ball into the net. The battle heated up and twelve minutes after the act, in a deplorable foul Jermaine Jones raked Luiz Gustavo from behind and then proceeded to have a tantrum directed towards the referee. While he was sent off with his second yellow, it will surely draw attention from Deutscher Fußball-Bund. With the clocking ticking down and Schalke digging in defensively Selim Teber curled a free-kick from twenty meters to bring the match to 1-1. With ten minutes remaining Orlando Engelaar was sent off with yellow and although possessing the two man advantage, Hoffenheim had to settle for the draw.
Any disappointment is short-lived as 1899 Hoffenheim promotion is capped with the "autumn championship."
