Ilzer still without a point in Europa League

Coach Christian Ilzer and TSG Hoffenheim still have to wait for their first points of the new Europa League season.

After the recent bitter 0-2 defeat against OFI Crete, they also suffered a loss on the second matchday. Against Besiktas Istanbul, they conceded a narrow 2-3 home defeat on Thursday evening.

ÖFB international Alexander Prass initially had to take a seat on the bench. Patrick Wimmer remains out injured.

Away game in their own stadium

The word "home game" was a relative term this evening. The stadium in Sinsheim was largely filled with Turkish supporters, who ensured a great atmosphere.

Both teams repeatedly created chances in the first half. However, the Istanbul side was the slightly more active team. Shortly before the half-time whistle, it got tight for Ilzer's eleven. Andrej Kramaric almost deflected a cross into his own net. The ball narrowly missed goalkeeper Oliver Baumann's goal.

Goal from former Austria player not enough

The second half then saw action come thick and fast.

Alexander Prass entered the pitch in the 59th minute. Just a few seconds later, TSG conceded the first goal. Michael Murillo fortuitously got the ball at his feet after a corner kick, and the Panamanian remained ice-cold with his finish, slotting the ball past Baumann from close range (60').

The hosts' offensive efforts were rewarded shortly after. Former Austria Wien player Fisnik Asllani skillfully broke through the Turkish defense and netted the ball unstoppably past Besiktas goalkeeper Alexander Nübel (68').

Oh's brace seals the decision

However, the joy for the Sinsheimers was short-lived. From their own attacking play, Ilzer's eleven were caught on the counter-attack, which South Korean international Hyeon-Gyu Oh finished off (72').

The South Korean, who was having a fantastic game, then also sealed the early decision. After Ilhan Fakili's pinpoint cross, the 25-year-old only had to tap in to make it 1-3 (79').

However, Christian Ilzer's team did not give up. Koki Machida headed in to cut the deficit to 2-3 in the 87th minute, but the defeat could no longer be prevented.

Prass and co. are thus still without a point after two Europa League matches.

Polster's club secures a draw

Nikolas Polster's team was also in action.

NEC Nijmegen drew 1-1 against Levski Sofia in front of their home crowd. The former WAC goalkeeper watched the game from the bench.