The 2012-13 campaign was a season of unprecedented drama and tension for TSG Hoffenheim as Hoffe narrowly secured their Bundesliga status, finishing a perilous 16th. The team, which saw a mid-season managerial change, ultimately avoided direct relegation thanks to Bosnian midfielder Sejad Salihović, whose 7 crucial league goals, including two vital late-season penalties, forced a relegation play-off. The climax of this nerve-shredding year was the two-legged battle against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, which Hoffe won 5-2 on aggregate, with key contributions from a young Roberto Firmino, marking an unforgettable, last-gasp fight to remain in the top-flight.