Hoffenheim averted their second defeat in a row in the Europa League late on. In a wild final phase, Tohumcu scored against Lyon to make it 2-2. It brought back memories of TSG’s two Champions League nights.
The two encounters with Lyon in the Champions League each ended in conciliatory fashion for Hoffenheim with late equalizers (3:3, 2:2). Kramaric in particular should have good memories from a personal perspective: he scored three goals for TSG in the previous two duels with OL.
The Croatian wanted to continue his run on Thursday. He received support in the front line from Moerstedt and Tohumcu, who, like Akpoguma, moved into the starting line-up after the 2-0 home defeat against St. Pauli. The trio replaced Bülter, Hlozek and Nsoki (muscular problems).
Against Lyon’s B team, with only Caleta-Car remaining in the starting line-up after the 1-1 draw in Lille, Hoffenheim was the more active team from the start in a hard-fought game. However, as has often been the case in recent weeks, TSG’s offensive action was usually too hesitant and imprecise. When there was a danger of scoring, Kramaric had his feet in the game. The offensive player failed after Descamps’ ricochet to compatriot Caleta-Car (11th) and with a shot shortly before the break to Descamps (43rd).
Europa League – 4th matchday
In the meantime, the 33-year-old could have had an even better chance if he had controlled the ball better during a counterattack on the halfway line. In the end, “only” Moerstedt’s shot stood out (29th). This was still more dangerous than all of the guests’ offensive actions, in which only Mikautadze had safely headed on goal (9th). Therefore it went into the locker room goalless.
TSG started the second half perfectly
The result wasn’t on the scoreboard for a long time after the restart: Gendrey used Bischof’s flat cross to take the lead in the 47th minute. TSG almost scored twice through Moerstedt – but the youngster shot wide to the left (53′). Then Les Gones suddenly increased the number of hits, which was partly due to a change of four (62nd). With Lacazette and Cherki, two prominent jokers also played a part in the equalizer: Cherki was denied by Stach after Lacazette’s lay-off, but Abner sank the rebound (66′).
The Kraichgauer’s phase of weakness continued for a while before they recovered with around a quarter of an hour to go. Since both teams were not satisfied with a draw, an eventful final phase developed. Stach (75th), Hlozek (76th) and Grillitsch (86th) missed for the hosts and Cherki (87th) for OL, so it pointed to a 1-1.
Tohumcu answers Lacazette
Then Lacazette’s hour came. Shortly after Arthus Chaves had prevented the veteran from making it 1-2 (90th+3), he scored (90th+3). Hoffenheim had an answer through Tohumcu’s first professional goal and ultimately – as always against Lyon – celebrated a point win late on (90th + 5th).
The draw means 1899 is in 19th place with five points. Lyon, which is in ninth place, has two points more.
TSG’s away game against Augsburg in the Bundesliga is on Sunday (3:30 p.m.). In the Europa League it’s all about points on matchday 5 at Braga. Lyon plays at home against St. Etienne in Ligue 1 on Sunday at 8.45 p.m., and the Europa League is on November 28th. (6.45 p.m.) an away trip to Azerbaijan to Qarabag.
