Andrej Kramaric scored once and assisted twice to lead TSG Hoffenheim to a 3:0 victory over Olympique Lyon in the Europa League phase, securing the German side’s first win in the European competition before 21,029 spectators in Sinsheim, according to multiple news reports. The 35-year-old Croatian forward broke the deadlock in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time with his first goal of the season, before setting up goals for Adam Daghim in the 49th minute and Adam Hlozek in the 83rd minute.
Hoffenheim Breaks Through After Slow European Start
The win handed French Ligue 1 leaders Lyon their first defeat of the league phase. Hoffenheim entered the fixture having lost their opening two continental matches—a 2:0 defeat at OFI Kreta and a 3:2 loss against Besiktas Istanbul—leaving the club 14th in the Bundesliga table under manager Christian Ilzer. Lyon travelled to Germany without Corentin Tolisso and Moussa Niakhaté, both of whom started the match on the substitutes’ bench.
Kramaric Responds to Injury and Form Concerns
Kramaric returned to the starting lineup following a difficult recovery period. The TSG record goalscorer underwent a groin operation following the World Cup and battled to regain his form ahead of the European fixture. The early momentum favored the hosts when central defender Robert Hranac headed a deflected corner toward goal in the 20th minute, only for Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Graf to push the effort against the crossbar.
Medical Concern for Lyon Defender Steeve Kango
Play was halted for five minutes after Lyon defender Steeve Kango fell awkwardly onto his back following a challenge from Tim Lemperle. Medical staff treated Kango on the pitch before he was carried off and transferred to a hospital for examination. Lyon manager Paul Fonseca provided an update after the final whistle, stating that Kango was in the hospital and doing relatively well.
Kramaric Scores After Baumann Denies Lyon
Despite Hoffenheim’s early dominance, Lyon remained dangerous on the counterattack. Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann preserved the clean sheet in the 37th minute by denying Kail Boudache from close range. The breakthrough arrived deep in first-half stoppage time when Lemperle cushioned a header into the path of Kramaric, who looped a shot into the net at the second attempt.
Second-Half Dominance Secures Three Points
Hoffenheim capitalized immediately after the interval when a defensive turnover in Lyon’s build-up play allowed Kramaric to square the ball for Daghim, who finished cleanly to make it 2:0. Kramaric nearly added a third with a strike from the 16-meter line before eventually providing the final pass for substitute Hlozek to seal the 3:0 scoreline in the 83rd minute.
Upcoming Fixtures in Bundesliga and Europe
Hoffenheim returns to domestic action on Sunday with a Bundesliga fixture against Bayer Leverkusen. Their European campaign continues on November 5 with an away fixture against Crystal Palace.
