1899 Hoffenheim starts off right!

Bundesliga leaders 1899 Hoffenheim started off the season right with a 2-0 victory over a very motivated Energie Cottbus. In a surprise move, Ralf Rangnick started Boubacar Sanogo at striker and even though he had problems connecting early, the coach and general manager Jan Schindelmeiser are pleased. Most concerning, beyond problems to fighting off der Lausitzer' high energy defending, Timo Hildebrand was injured on the hour mark and was forced to leave.

Boubacar Sanogo had close chances go off course early but 1899 took the lead before the half hour when Selim Teber cross into the box found Demba Ba to send in for a one goal lead. Der Lausitzer continued to play efficiently and came close to scoring six minutes into the new half when Marvin Compper gave up the ball to Timo Rost but the veterans attempt struck the cross bar. Bosnian international Sejad Salihović, Ba and Sanogo continued to search for openings and as the match progressed they continued to gain confidence and in one of their first times playing together. Finally with twenty-seven minutes left added the second goal as Ba's back heel to Sanogo worked like a charm and the Côte d'Ivoire striker scored.

A very good start to Rückrunde and although there many aspects to work on it counts for three points.