Hoffenheim clearly expects to compete for the European competition this season, but Sebastian Hoeness’ team failed to give a quality start. In the first two rounds, the villagers looked good and scored four points in the confrontation with Augsburg (4:0) and Union (2:2), but they failed to build on their success. The team alternates between defeats and victories. Hoffenheim currently sits 11th in the table with 11 points, being five points ahead of the transition zone. In the last round of the championship, the “villagers” lost no chances to “Bavaria” with a score 4:0, having already suffered a second defeat in three rounds. This week, Hoffenheim defeated Holstein in the German Cup with a score 5:1, gaining a ticket to the next round of the tournament.
After the success in the Super Cup, Lille absolutely abandoned the Major League tournament and are resting on their laurels in anticipation of a miracle. Improvement in the results is not yet visible. For 11 rounds, the “dogs” chalked up four wins and three draws, which brought 15 points and 10th place in the standings. After three consecutive victories over Reims (2:1), Strasbourg (2:1) and Marseille (2:0), the Blue-Reds were defeated by Clermont (0:1) and in the last round failed to beat the modest “Brest” (1:1). It is impossible not to note the worst indicator in the top ten in terms of goals conceded. After three rounds of the current Champions League tournament, the reigning champion has only two draws and a third position. Lagging behind the second Sevilla is only one point, which leaves a good chance for overall success. The line of attack of the team, which scored only one goal, looks very weak so far. Botman and Leonardo, who has a neck injury, will not be able to play.
