Five facts about RB Leipzig's match at TSG Hoffenheim

Leipzig (dpa) -

Historic "El Plastico"

For self-proclaimed soccer purists, romantics and traditionalists, the duel does not belong in the Bundesliga and is derided as "El Plastico". For Leipzig, however, the match certainly has a historical dimension. The club played its first Bundesliga match in Hoffenheim on August 28, 2016. Marcel Sabitzer's equalizer in the 90th minute meant the game ended 2:2.

Leipzig ground duel

From the air to the ground. This is where RB Leipzig creates the clearest facts. The Saxons win 34.4 tackles per game on the ground, by far the best figure. Benjamin Henrichs plays a big part in this. With 6.95 tackles won on the ground per 90 minutes, the international is the best in the league.

Anniversary for Rose?

It could be a round game for coach Marco Rose. The 48-year-old is on the verge of his 100th win in Germany's top flight on Saturday. Rose won 33 times at Mönchengladbach and 22 times at Borussia Dortmund. Leipzig have won 44 times in the Bundesliga so far.

Bulwark

With only five goals conceded in ten games, Leipzig have the best defense in the league. You have to go back nine years in Bundesliga history to find a similarly successful record. Back then, Bayern Munich only conceded four goals in ten games under star coach Pep Guardiola.

Poor record in attack

In contrast, Leipzig's attack has been modest by Leipzig's standards. They have already drawn 0-0 three times, with a total of just 15 goals to their name. According to the Bundesliga statistics page, Leipzig have taken 116 shots on goal so far - just as few as Hoffenheim. Only Union Berlin, Kiel and St. Pauli are even more harmless. By comparison, Leverkusen are top of the league in this statistic with 186 shots on goal, followed by Bayern with 183.