Hofmann, who was recently drafted into the European squad following an injury to Martin Terrier, proved to be the decisive figure in a contest that Leverkusen eventually dominated. While the home side showed early intent through Thiago Nuss, whose 11th-minute effort forced a save from Janis Blaswich, the visitors gradually asserted their authority as the first half progressed.
Hofmann's Quickfire Double Seals the Points
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute after sustained pressure. OFI goalkeeper Klidman Lilo, who had previously denied Malik Tillman, could only parry an initial shot from Afonso Moreira. Hofmann was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the rebound, firing home from close range to break the deadlock.
The winger needed only three minutes to double his tally and the team's lead. In the 38th minute, Hofmann connected cleanly with a delivery from the left, unleashing a first-time strike from outside the penalty area that beat Lilo to effectively put the result beyond doubt before the interval.
Following the restart, Lilo remained busy, preventing Hofmann from completing a hat-trick with a save in the 50th minute. At the other end, Blaswich was called upon once more to thwart another attempt from Nuss, but Leverkusen’s defense held firm to preserve their clean sheet. Reflecting on the performance, coach Carles Martinez expressed satisfaction with the result, noting that while the team could have extended their lead in the second half, securing the three points remained the primary objective.
With this victory, Leverkusen sits second in the standings with nine points, trailing leaders Benfica only on goal difference. OFI Crete, meanwhile, remains on three points, slipping to 26th place. The night also saw several other high-scoring affairs across the competition, including Benfica’s 4-1 win over Omonia and Real Sociedad’s 6-0 thrashing of Lillestrom, as the league phase continues to take shape.
