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Match Readiness Report: Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim
1. Main Players Comparison
Bayer Leverkusen
- Key Departures: Wirtz (10G, 12A), Frimpong (5G, 5A), Xhaka (7G), Tah (defensive leader).
- Remaining Core: Schick (21G), Grimaldo (7G, 2A), Hincapié, Tapsoba, Andrich, Aleix García.
- Output Retained: ~33 goals, ~12 assists.
Hoffenheim
- Key Departures: Bischof (5G, 2A), Bülter (7G, 2A).
- Remaining Core: Kramaric (11G, 8A), Hlozek (8G, 3A), Baumann (GK), Chaves, Akpoguma.
- Output Retained: ~20 goals, ~14 assists.
Verdict: Leverkusen lose higher-value stars, but retain stronger scoring spine (Schick + Grimaldo).
2. New Players Comparison
Bayer Leverkusen
- Tillman (12G, 2A) – creative spark, compensates for Wirtz’s exit.
- Flekken (37 apps) – stabilizes GK.
- Oermann (2172 mins, 2A) – defensive reliability.
- Quansah (489 mins) – prospect defender.
- Impact: +12 goals, +6 assists from signings, strong defensive upgrades.
Hoffenheim
- Bernardo (1736 mins) – steady defensive option.
- Coufal (1063 mins) – adds experience at right-back.
- Burger, Machida, Lemperle: depth signings with no production yet.
- Impact: Mainly defensive reinforcement, minimal offensive boost.
Verdict: Leverkusen’s new arrivals are transformative, Hoffenheim’s are stabilizing.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Bayer Leverkusen
- Impact Bench: Boniface (8G, 1A, 1011 mins), Palacios (6G, 1A, 1149 mins), Tella (4G, 2A), Adli (2G), Mukiele (1A).
- Bench Output: ~20 goals, ~6 assists.
Hoffenheim
- Impact Bench: Orban (4G), Tabakovic (3G, 1A before leaving), Touré (3A).
- Others: Geiger & Becker – midfield balance, but little scoring. Defensive rotation with Østigård, Grillitsch, Jurásek (gone).
- Bench Output: ~7 goals, ~5 assists.
Verdict: Leverkusen’s bench is vastly superior, with real game-changers. Hoffenheim’s options are situational.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Bayer Leverkusen | Hoffenheim |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (loss of Wirtz, Frimpong, Xhaka) | ⭐⭐⭐ (kept Kramaric & Hlozek) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tillman + Flekken + Oermann) | ⭐⭐ (mainly defensive depth) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Boniface, Palacios, Tella) | ⭐⭐ (Orban, Touré, weaker impact) |
Overall Depth | Strong but reshaped | Thin in attack |
Key Weakness | Lost elite creators | Over-reliance on Kramaric |
5. Predicted Outcome
- Momentum & Depth: Leverkusen’s squad renewal makes them resilient.
- Attacking Edge: Schick + Tillman + Boniface vs. Kramaric + Hlozek.
- Defensive Solidity: Flekken + Oermann strengthen stability, Hoffenheim more fragile.
Likely Result:
- Leverkusen 2 – 1 Hoffenheim (Schick and Boniface decisive).