Bayer Leverkusen's difficult Sunday at TSG Hoffenheim included an unusual officiating change after referee Daniel Siebert could not continue because of a calf injury. The match was briefly delayed at the start of the second half while Robert Hartmann stepped in on short notice.
The restart took almost five minutes longer than normal after halftime, adding another unusual moment to a game that had already turned against Bayer Leverkusen. On Thursday, the team had won 2:0 at OFI Kreta in the Europa League, but the 0:3 defeat at Hoffenheim ended its run of six straight competitive wins.
Diaby injury added to Leverkusen's problems
The match also brought a separate setback for Bayer Leverkusen in attack. After about 40 minutes, Moussa Diaby began having thigh problems, and in the 41st minute he was replaced by Malik Tillman. It was another difficult moment for a side that had been in strong form with seven wins and one draw in its previous eight competitive matches.
For BVB readers following the weekend's Bundesliga action, the Hoffenheim game was notable not just for the scoreline but for the rare referee switch. A 42-year-old Daniel Siebert had to hand over officiating duties at half-time, and Hartmann took over after preparing for the assignment on short notice. The change was unusual, but the match continued without further interruption after the brief delay.
