Ilzer's Hoffenheim with Opening Defeat in Europa League

Christian Ilzer and TSG Hoffenheim had to concede a 0-2 defeat against OFI Crete on the first matchday of the Europa League league phase.

The first good scoring opportunity of the match belonged to the team of the Austrian coach, with Patrick Wimmer on the field until the 60th minute. However, during his cross in the 15th minute, Tim Lemperle and Ozan Kabak hindered each other, and an offside position was also present. Hoffenheim remained dominant in possession but harmless offensively.

Instead, the hosts from Greece took the lead: Kenan Kodro robustly asserted himself against Albian Hajdari in a transition situation (VAR found no foul), and Aitor Cantalapiedra was able to convert his cross alone in front of TSG goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (30'). Hoffenheim went into the locker room trailing.

Decisive Goal in the Closing Stages

The second half began with a chance for the Germans, but Adam Hlozek didn't connect ideally with a cross from Lemperle, and OFI goalkeeper Nikos Christogeorgos was there to save (48'). Shortly after, Hlozek shot just wide (50').

At the other end, Hoffenheim almost conceded a second counter-attack goal: former Rapid player Taxiarchis Fountas missed the corner by mere centimeters (54'). Ilzer's team then had to increasingly take risks, and in the 72nd minute, OFI Crete became dangerous again after a counter.

Lemperle couldn't convert a good cross from Wouter Burger in the 78th minute, clearly missing his target with his knee – the attacker was also decisively hindered by his opponent. Instead, OFI sealed the decision. After a corner, Georgios Kanellopoulos headed home to make it 2-0 (84').

That was also the final score, and for TSG Hoffenheim – with Alexander Prass not making his comeback after a muscle injury – the league phase begins with a defeat.