Tohumcu’s late strike salvages a point for Hoffenheim

Under fire head coach Matarazzo Pellegrino and his Hoffenheim side welcomed French opposition in the form of Olympique Lyon to the Rhein-Neckar Arena tonight. An injury-time leveller from Umut Tohumcu sealed parity at 2-2.

A scrappy exchange to commence the action offered a glimpse at what would be a feisty, close-fought affair in the first-half. Anton Stach received a yellow card for a professional foul on Gift Orban, while Clinton Mata was subjected to a similar punishment. Oliver Baumann was called upon in the 9th-minute as Mikautadze directed Benrahma’s cross into the German’s grateful arms. 

Arguably three of the best chances in the half fell the way of Andrej Kramarić. Lyon shot-stopper Deschamps made a mess of his clearance which fell to the Croatian, however his compatriot Duje Caleta-Car recovered to block in time. On the half-hour, Tom Bischof sent a long ball to Kramarić. His first touch let him down which forced the Croat to release Moerstedt who tested Deschamps. The 28-year-old goalkeeper denied Kramarić’s final curling effort just before the sides headed for the dressing rooms.

Hoffenheim hit the front inside two minutes after the restart much to the relief of Matarazzo who sprang from the dugout in celebration. Credit to Max Moerstedt, the youngster lost his footing but scooped possession wide to Bischof whose cross was guided to the net by Gendrey. Max Moerstedt almost doubled the Sinheim club’s lead with the next move – unfortunately the 18-year-old dragged his shot past the post from 15 yards. 

Lyon dragged themselves level on 66 minutes as Abner thrashed home from close range. Credit must go to Rayan Cherki, a summer target of Borussia Dortmund, who orchestrated the move with some assistance from Lacazette. This proved to be the catalyst for a frantic finish to the game. Just as Lacazette appeared to bag the winner in the third minute of injury time, Hoffenheim had a rebuttal. Kadeřábek’s cross with the final act broke to Tohumcu as the 20-year-old picked out the lower left corner.