TSG Hoffenheim secured a 3–0 victory against French Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon in the Europa League on October 22, 2026, earning their first win of the league phase after two opening defeats, as reported by sport.ORF.at. The result lifts manager Christian Ilzer’s side back into contention for the playoff spots before 21,029 spectators.
Kramarić and Daghim Strike as Hoffenheim Overwhelms Lyon
The hosts established an early territorial advantage during a lively opening half. Robin Hranáč headed against the crossbar in the 20th minute, while Austrian midfielder Alexander Prass played in central midfield for the Bundesliga club. The momentum shifted briefly when Lyon defender Steeve Kango suffered an injury following an aerial duel with Tim Lemperle, requiring treatment by medics and a stretcher exit that prompted extensive first-half stoppage time. Hoffenheim capitalized immediately on the prolonged added period. In the 4th minute of stoppage time, 35-year-old forward Andrej Kramarić rose at the left side of the five-yard box to loop a header into the far corner for his first goal of the season.
Manager Christian Ilzer deployed Kramarić in the starting lineup for only the second time this season, a decision that paid off as the forward orchestrated the second-half onslaught. Just four minutes after the restart, Adam Daghim—formerly of Salzburg—slotted home the second goal in the 49th minute after a deflection off Kamara. Kramarić nearly added a third in the 51st minute but squandered a close-range chance. Lyon failed to mount an effective response, and substitute Adam Hlozek settled the contest in the 83rd minute with a precise strike, sealing the 3–0 final scoreline.
Defensive Shifts and Front Office Stability in Sinsheim
On the opposing side, Austrian central defender Felix Bacher started in Lyon’s backline and completed the first half. Despite being substituted at halftime, Bacher recorded his team’s highest defensive metrics during the opening period, including a 100 percent duel success rate. The defeat drops Lyon to 12th place in the league table with six points from three matches, marking their first loss of the tournament.
Away from the pitch, Hoffenheim managing director for sport Andreas Schicker used a Thursday appearance on RTL to dismiss speculation regarding his future at the club. Addressing rumors linking him with Bundesliga rival Eintracht Frankfurt, Schicker stated that there is no truth to the reports, pointing to his long-term contract extension signed in May and emphasizing his enjoyment of the role in Sinsheim, as detailed by sport.ORF.at.
Broader European Results for Austrian and Regional Contenders
Elsewhere in continental competition on the same matchday, several other Austrian players featured across the Europa League and Conference League fixtures. In the Europa League, Austrian striker Raul Florucz converted a penalty in the 45th and 1st minute to open the scoring for Union St. Gilloise in a 4–0 victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva, lifting the Belgian side to seven points. Kevin Danso played in central defense for Sunderland, who drew 1–1 in Posen after leading, also reaching seven points. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Florian Wiegele and Pilsen suffered their third defeat of the league phase, losing 2–1 at home to Levski Sofia.
In the UEFA Conference League, Freiburg defender Philipp Lienhart watched from the bench due to load management as his side fell 3–0 away to Monaco. Marko Arnautović was an unused substitute for Red Star Belgrade in their 2–2 draw against Copenhagen, while Stefan Savić scored the opening goal in Borac Banja Luka’s 2–0 victory over Kuopion.
Next Fixtures in the Europa League
TSG Hoffenheim returns to domestic league action before continuing its European campaign in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League next month.
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