The leaders, who were playing in the German regional leagues at the turn of the decade, have scored a Bundesliga-leading 42 goals with Bosnia striker Vedad Ibisevic averaging over a goal game to top the scoring charts on 18.

Strong Bayern

Hoffenheim's achievements this season are even more remarkable given Bayern's resurgence in form.

After a rocky start under new coach Juergen Klinsmann, the champions have improved since France midfielder Franck Ribery's return from injury in late September, winning eight out of the last ten league matches.

Klinsmann's side have also qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League and the last 16 of the German Cup with ease.

Bayern have felt uncomfortable at the domestic spotlight falling on Hoffenheim with manager Uli Hoeness saying their success was purely down to Hopp's money.

Hopp, the co-founder of the software company SAP, began investing into the local club he had played for as a child over a decade ago when they were just another local league team with no real aspirations.

However they have resisted going on a major spending spree, even after winning promotion to the top flight.

Strikers Chinedu Obasi, Demba Ba and Ibisevic, who have a combined total of 31 league goals this season, were all playing in the second division last year.

Their biggest signing so far has been former Germany international keeper Timo Hildebrand, who joined last week after a luckless spell at Spanish club Valencia.

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