Europa League: Lyon draws in Dramatic finish at Hoffenheim, Manchester United secures first Win, Ajax and Lazio Keep Winning Streaks
After a disappointing loss to Besiktas, Olympique Lyonnais battled Hoffenheim to a thrilling 2-2 draw, thanks to a last-minute equalizer in the Europa League. Coach Pierre Sage rotated his lineup ahead of the French derby, with notable names like Lacazette and Tolisso initially on the bench.
Despite early control, Lyon’s shaky defense allowed Hoffenheim’s Gendrey to open the scoring early in the second half.
Sage responded with strategic substitutions, bringing in key players, which revitalized the team. Abner netted an equalizer in the 66th minute, and Lyon seemed set for victory when Lacazette scored in stoppage time.
However, Hoffenheim’s Tohumcu delivered a late equalizer, leaving Lyon frustrated.
Elsewhere, Manchester United, under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, finally clinched a Europa League win, defeating PAOK Salonika 2-0, with Amad Diallo scoring twice.
Lazio continued their unbeaten run, edging FC Porto 2-1 to stay top of their group. Ajax Amsterdam shone with a 5-0 triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Fenerbahçe fell 3-1 to AZ Alkmaar after missing a penalty.
In other matches, Dynamo Kiev succumbed 4-0 to Ferencvaros, Anderlecht tied 1-1 with Rigas, and Viktoria Plzen beat Real Sociedad 2-1. Lazio leads the standings, followed by Ajax and Galatasaray, with Lyon in 9th place.
