Germany international, Jonas Hofmann scored twice as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Greek side OFI Crete 2-0 to maintain their perfect start to the UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday.
Hofmann, who was added to Leverkusen’s squad for the competition following Martin Terrier’s injury, delivered a decisive performance to help the German club extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches.
OFI Crete started brightly, with Thiago Nuss testing Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich early in the encounter.
However, the visitors gradually took control and created several opportunities, only to be denied by goalkeeper Klidman Lilo.
Lilo produced a series of impressive saves to keep out efforts from Hofmann and Patrik Schick, while Malik Tillman also failed to beat the OFI goalkeeper from close range.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 35th minute when Lilo could only parry Afonso Moreira’s long-range effort into Hofmann’s path.
The midfielder took advantage of the rebound, squeezing his finish inside the near post to give Leverkusen the lead.
Hofmann doubled the advantage a few minutes later, connecting with a first-time strike from outside the penalty area to beat Lilo and put the visitors firmly in control before the interval.
The goalkeeper continued to prevent further damage after the break, denying Hofmann a hat-trick and stopping efforts from Aleix Garcia and Miguel Gutierrez.
At the other end, Blaswich also made important saves as OFI attempted to reduce the deficit.
Despite the hosts’ efforts, Leverkusen held on to secure all three points and continue their strong European campaign.
Their victory also extended their run to just one defeat in their last 17 Europa League matches.
OFI, meanwhile, suffered consecutive defeats in the competition, although goalkeeper Lilo’s performance prevented the scoreline from becoming more emphatic.
