Despite going ahead through Jiloan Hamad's excellent volley, Hoffenheim were unable to hang on to what would have been a vital win against Bayer Leverkusen. Ömer Toprak struck late on to earn a share of the spoils for the Werkself.
Huub Stevens opted for a similar line-up to that which fell to defeat against Schalke the week before Christmas, as Jiloan Hamad and Kevin Volland were handed starts; Nadiem Amiri and Tarik Elyounoussi made way for the Sinsheim side.
In contrast to the hosts' surprisingly poor season, Leverkusen are keeping up their challenge for a top four spot. Roger Schmidt named an almost unchanged eleven from their win over Ingolstadt, though Tin Jedvaj was granted a starting berth instead of Guilio Donati.
Leverkusen have the chances, but Hoffenheim take the lead
It was a rather turgid first-half that promised plenty but delivered little. Eduardo Vargas and Hakan Calhanoglu had half chances but they were nothing more than that, with the respective goalkeepers dealing with the efforts easily. It wasn't until the final third of the half that the game really got interesting.
Stefan Kießling almost opened the scoring with a looping header from 16 yards, although Oliver Baumann was able to scurry back and tip the ball over the bar with an excellent save. The shock and frustration on the forward's face was further evidence of just how impressive the finger-tip stop was.
The opening goal followed soon after, and all the maybe moments were worth sitting through. Hamad, who has struggled for game time with Hoffenheim, was able to meet a corner that made its way out to the edge of the area. The Swede volleyed the ball, side-footed, into the opposite corner with nonchalant ease; a special strike.
There was a worrying moment before the break as Javier Hernandez found a way behind their back-line, but once again Baumann was on hand to make a crucial save with his legs. That did ensure a slightly fortunate advantage would be carried into the break by the hosts.
Second half sees chances fall to both, but Toprak takes his
Hoffenheim were by far the stronger side coming out after the break. Aside from a Calhanoglu opportunity, the hosts were looking the hungrier of the two sides and wanted to grab a quick second. Hamad wasted a great opening to grab his second of the game after Wendell was robbed in possession by Kevin Volland, though the Swede fired wildly over. Jonathan Schmid's quick turn and shot came closer still to adding to their lead, only to see his effort cannon back off the post.
Even though they were the better side, Hoffenheim would be made to rue their missed chances. Toprak somehow managed to force the ball home after Jonathan Tah flicked on Calhanoglu's corner, although that was of no concern for the visitors. The draw did mean the hosts jumped off the bottom, but a win would have meant so much more. As for Leverkusen - especially after three late saves by Baumann - they will wonder how three points managed to evade their grasp.