OFI Crete mark European return with famous victory over Hoffenheim

The Greek side had been given little chance against a Hoffenheim team that finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season. Hoffenheim dominated possession for long spells and spent much of the first half around OFI’s penalty area, but they could not turn their control into a goal.

Match highlight

Ozan Kabak thought he had found the top corner with a header early on. The flag was already up for offside, though OFI goalkeeper Nikolaos Christogeorgos still produced an excellent fingertip save.

Hoffenheim’s pressure continued without much end product. They had 31 touches in OFI’s box before half-time — more than 10 times the home side’s total — but the score was 1-0 at the break.

OFI took the lead around the half-hour mark through a direct move. Christogeorgos sent a long ball forward and Kenan Kodro brought it under control before picking out Aitor Cantalapiedra. The winger had space in the area and finished first time into the top corner.

The home side nearly doubled their lead shortly after the restart. Taxiarchis Fountas was left unmarked in the box, but he sent his first-time effort wide.

Hoffenheim had chances to get back into the match. Adam Hložek failed to bring the ball under control in a promising position after an hour, while Christogeorgos later reacted well to gather a loose ball after OFI gave it away deep in their own half.

Tim Lemperle then missed from close range, and OFI made the visitors pay with six minutes remaining. Georgios Kanellopoulos rose highest from a corner and headed home his first goal for the club to settle the contest.

It was Hoffenheim’s first match against Greek opposition and one they will want to forget. OFI, meanwhile, have now won eight of their last 10 games, with one draw and one defeat. This was the clearest statement of that run so far.