TSG Hoffenheim began their return to the Europa League with a defeat. The club from the Kraichgau region lost 2-0 away to Greek side OFI Kreta in Heraklion on Thursday night.
The match unfolded unfavourably for the visitors from the start. An early lead for the hosts forced Hoffenheim to chase the game, and a second goal shortly after half-time effectively decided the outcome. Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo admitted after the final whistle that the performance did not deserve a point. He said the team made too many individual mistakes and lacked efficiency in the key moments.
Inconsistent run continues
The loss in Greece fits a pattern of inconsistency. Hoffenheim's last five competitive matches have yielded two wins and three defeats, a run of form reading LWLLW. In the Bundesliga, the team sits 13th with three points from three games. The next challenge comes quickly with an away fixture against 15th-placed SC Paderborn 07 on Sunday.
The squad must now refocus quickly to regain ground in the domestic league. Their Europa League campaign continues in a fortnight with the home leg against the same opponent. The return match against OFI Kreta at the PreZero Arena is scheduled for 1 October.
This story first appeared at Sportschau
