First-ever meeting with Viktoria Cologne
TSG Hoffenheim will play their first competitive game of the 2021/22 season on Monday evening (18:30 CET, Live Ticker at tsg-hoffenheim.de). Coach Sebastian Hoeness and his charges will be up against third-tier Viktoria Cologne – the first competitive meeting between the two clubs – in the opening round of the DFB-Pokal. In contrast to Hoffenheim, Viktoria already got their campaign under way towards the end of July. Prior to facing the side that finished last season in 13th place in the 3. Liga, we have compiled all the facts and figures you need to know about #VIKTSG below.
Did you know that…
…Viktoria Cologne have only reached the second round of the DFB-Pokal on one previous occasion?
In 2015, the men from Cologne beat then second-tier outfit Union Berlin 2-1 in the first round of the competition. However, Viktoria have been eliminated in each of their last three cup ties, conceding 4.3 goals on average.
…coach Olaf Janssen's team have recently recorded an impressive result?
Viktoria Cologne only picked up one point over the first two rounds of matches in the 3. Liga (2-1 loss at Viktoria Berlin, 1-1 draw with FSV Zwickau). But prior to their cup clash with TSG, the men from Cologne beat Bundesliga club Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 away from home in a friendly on Wednesday.
…TSG have recently fared well in the first round of the cup?
Hoffenheim have won their last five matches in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Now TSG are on the verge of making history and reaching the second round of the cup in six successive seasons for the first time ever.
…it hasn't been plain-sailing in Hoffenheim's first-round clashes, however?
Other than TSG, Chemnitzer FC is the only club that has contested a penalty shootout in the first round of the DFB-Pokal in both of the last two seasons. Hoffenheim beat fourth-tier Chemnitz (3-2) and third-tier Würzburger Kickers (5-4) from the penalty spot to book their place in the second round of the competition.
…TSG should be especially aware of Marcel Risse?
Viktoria Cologne's new signing has already scored five goals in the DFB-Pokal in his career – almost as many goals as his new club has in total (six). The 31-year-old also found the net for 1. FC Cologne in their 2-1 victory over TSG Hoffenheim in 2016.
…Hoffenheim goals are almost guaranteed?
TSG have scored at least twice in each of their last five cup ties; the Sinsheim outfit has only previously achieved that feat once (eight consecutive matches between 2013 and 2015).