The match

OFI lost 2-0 at home to Bayer Leverkusen at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, in the third matchday of the Europa League League Phase. Reports described the Germans as the stronger side from start to finish. The win was Leverkusen's third in the competition, and it kept them in the top eight of the table. OFI remain on three points, having beaten Hoffenheim 2-0 in their first match and then lost 2-1 away to Rennes.

How the goals came

Hofmann opened the scoring in the 35th minute and doubled Leverkusen's lead three minutes later. Earlier, goalkeeper Lilo had pushed away a first-half shot from Moreira, but Hofmann was first to the rebound. OFI were better after the break, with Kostoulas firing a shot in the 54th minute that Blaswich saved. Theodosoulakis failed to find the target in the 73rd minute, and Lilo made another important save in the 83rd minute.

Goalkeeper Lilo

Lilo came into the side in place of the injured Christogeorgos and was the club's second goalkeeper. Reports differ on his workload, with one counting 13 saves and another putting his big saves at 14. The side coached by Christos Kontis could not stop Hofmann, who beat Lilo twice with two shots. Lilo still kept the score at a respectable level for most of the match.

What comes next

OFI face Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the fourth matchday on 5 November at 22:00. The remaining League Phase fixtures are Anderlecht at home on 26 November 2026, Benfica away on 10 December 2026, Sturm Graz away on 21 January 2027 and Lech Poznań at home on 28 January 2027. Reports say OFI will need a considerable effort to stay in contention for a playoff place, starting with the Hapoel Be'er Sheva game. Leverkusen, with three wins from three matches, are already preparing for the next stage of the competition.