German surprise package Hoffenheim are at top of the Bundesliga at the winter break after they sealed a 1-1 draw against powerhouse Schalke 04 in the final match of 2008 at home on Sunday.

The "village club" boast 35 points and stay ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich on goal difference at the Bundesliga tables.

Hoffenheim are still unbeaten at home this season after nine games in Mannheim (seven wins, two draws), and they will play their remaining games in 2009 in their newly-built stadium in Sinsheim.

Schalke made the better start, with Gerald Asamoah and Halil Altintop going close to scoring, but Hoffenheim had their first good opportunity after 19 minutes when Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer parried Sejad Salihovic's free-kick.

Schalke broke the deadlock after 40 minutes when Asamoah coolly slotted home after a great through ball by Altintop.

However, the host came back strong after the break, and Schalke lost their head. Jermaine Jones was sent off for a second offence after 57 minutes.

Selim Teber equalized for Hoffenheim with a well-taken free-kick 18 minutes from time.

Schalke were down to nine men with ten minutes left when Orlando Engelaar was given his marching orders with a second yellow.

The hosts threw everything forward in search of a late winner, but the "Royal Blues" defended well and held on.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2008)