Hoffenheim face Besiktas in a home Europa League tie with an away feel

Hoffenheim host Besiktas Istanbul in the Europa League amid expectations of a majority Turkish crowd, as the Bundesliga side seeks to reverse a run of three consecutive defeats.

TSG Hoffenheim face Besiktas Istanbul in their second Europa League match on Thursday in an unusual setting. The TSG-Stadion in Sinsheim is expected to be filled predominantly by Turkish supporters, turning the fixture into a de facto away game for the Bundesliga side. Opponents Besiktas, a multiple-time Turkish champion, present a dual challenge.

Hoffenheim captain Oliver Baumann acknowledged the difficult situation. The goalkeeper said the team had not had the beginning it had wanted. The team has lost its last three competitive matches. That includes a defeat in the Europa League opener. Their recent form reads one win and four defeats from the last five outings.

Kabak anticipates heated clash

Turkish international defender Ozan Kabak, who plays for Hoffenheim, is familiar with the atmosphere his compatriots can create. He said they already knew what a hot game this would be. This support could give the visitors a psychological edge as Hoffenheim searches for a turnaround.

Managing director Andreas Schicker stressed the need for unity. The team must question things but not deviate from its fundamental path. Looking at the upcoming tasks, Schicker said they were not making things too comfortable for themselves. For Hoffenheim, the next league game is another opportunity to pick up points.

Adding to their poor form, a striker will miss the Besiktas match due to illness. Hope rests on attackers who have scored this season. The home game against the strong Turkish side is a key test for the season's trajectory. The match in Sinsheim kicks off on Thursday evening.

This story first appeared at t-online.de

Update, 16 Oct 2026

TSG Hoffenheim lost 2-3 to Beşiktaş. The club confirmed this on October 16. The goals for Hoffenheim were scored by Fisnik Asllani in the 68th minute and Koki Machida in the 87th minute. The defeat is their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions. The team sits in 17th place with just three points. The next match is away to Borussia Mönchengladbach on October 18.

Update, 17 Oct 2026

TSG Hoffenheim lost 2-3 to Beşiktaş. The club confirmed the result. The decisive brace was scored by Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 72nd and 79th minute for the Turkish side. Fisnik Asllani (68') and Koki Machida (87') scored for Hoffenheim. The team has now suffered four consecutive defeats. The next match is on 18 October in Mönchengladbach.