Hoffenheim's solid start to the season continued on Saturday when they held 2007 Bundesliga champions Stuttgart to a goalless draw.
Playing in Mannheim while the renovations to their own stadium are completed, newcomers Hoffenheim could easily have snatched three points but were repeatedly thwarted by former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
The veteran stopper was in inspired form to earn Stuttgart a point, the best of a number of saves coming in the 14th minute when he dived full-length to punch Vedad Ibisevic's swerving shot out for a corner.
Mario Gomez had the best of the visitors' chances but could only find the side netting when he shot in space from the right of the area in the first half.
The point apiece leaves Stuttgart fifth and Hoffenheim a place below, both on seven points.
Hoffenheim refused to be intimidated by the visitors and made their intentions clear early on when Sejad Salihovic volleyed over the bar from Ibisevic's cross in the third minute.
Ibisevic then had a chance of his own when he produced a fine save from Lehmann, before Gomez fired inches wide at the other end just shy of the half-hour mark.
The ever-present Ibisevic was stymied again by Lehmann in the 33rd minute when his fierce shot from the middle of the box was parried away.
Demba Ba came close for the hosts minutes after the restart when he fired narrowly wide, but chances were at a premium thereafter.
Salihovic's header in the 83rd minute was caught by Lehmann in the last of the game's action as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
