Hoffenheim secured an impressive 3-0 victory over French side Lyon in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, with Andrej Kramarić scoring once and providing two assists at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany.
The hosts broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Kramarić headed home in the 45th minute plus four to give his side a deserved lead heading into the break.
Hoffenheim doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half as Adam Daghim finished a move set up by Kramarić in the 49th minute, leaving Lyon with a difficult task to get back into the contest.
The German side completed the victory in the 83rd minute when Adam Hložek fired home with his right foot following another excellent pass from Kramarić, capping a dominant display by the hosts.
Despite enjoying 57 per cent possession, Lyon struggled to translate their control of the ball into meaningful attacking opportunities.
Hoffenheim, by contrast, were more effective in front of goal and consistently threatened the visitors’ defence.
Hoffenheim registered 21 shots, with eight on target, compared with Lyon’s eight attempts and two efforts on target.
The hosts also recorded 13 shots inside the penalty area, highlighting their greater ability to penetrate the visitors’ defensive lines.
Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif made five saves to prevent a heavier defeat, while Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann produced an important stop to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
The home side also won more duels, completed more successful dribbles and made 21 tackles compared with Lyon’s 12.
Their pressing and defensive organisation limited the visitors’ ability to create clear chances despite Lyon completing more passes.
Hoffenheim defender Mats Rots delivered an outstanding performance on the right flank, contributing defensively and providing an attacking outlet before being substituted in the 77th minute.
Kramarić was also among the standout performers, with his goal and two assists proving decisive in the victory.
Daghim’s second-half strike further strengthened Hoffenheim’s control before Hložek added the third late in the match.
The result reflected Hoffenheim’s clinical finishing and disciplined approach, as they punished Lyon’s defensive mistakes to secure a convincing European victory.
