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Hofmann’s first-half double keeps Leverkusen perfect in Europe

Jonas Hofmann scored twice before half-time as Bayer Leverkusen beat OFI Crete 2-0 in the Europa League. Added to the European squad after Martin Terrier’s injury, Hofmann started the match and supplied both goals. Leverkusen won its third league-phase fixture, with OFI goalkeeper Klidman Lilo making further saves to prevent a larger margin.

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A player in plain red and black looks toward a ball inside the goal.

Hofmann supplies both goals in Crete

Bayer Leverkusen beat OFI Crete 2-0 away in the Europa League, European football’s second-tier club competition. Jonas Hofmann scored both goals before half-time against the Greek side. The German club won its third league-phase match, preserving a perfect start to that stage of the competition.[1], [2]

Hofmann had been added to the European squad following Martin Terrier’s injury. Coach Carles Martínez put him straight into the starting line-up, making five changes from the previous match against Freiburg. Janis Blaswich made his first Europa League appearance in the Leverkusen goal.[1]

A rebound and a long-range shot establish the lead

OFI defended compactly early on, and Blaswich had to intervene against Thiago Nuss. Leverkusen subsequently created chances through Hofmann and Patrik Schick. Hofmann opened the scoring by finishing the rebound from Afonso Moreira’s shot, then added a low strike from distance into the corner. The visitors reached the interval 2-0 ahead.[1]

Lilo denies further Leverkusen chances

OFI goalkeeper Klidman Lilo saved another Hofmann effort early in the second half and also denied Aleix Garcia. Martínez introduced Miguel Gutiérrez, Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella, followed later by Edmond Tapsoba and Moussa Diaby. OFI failed to reduce the deficit as Leverkusen kept its advantage to the final whistle.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBayer 04 LeverkusenHofmann double gives Leverkusen 2-0 win in Crete↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceWDRHofmann double earns Leverkusen victory in Crete↩

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