Match Centre

Hoffenheim's 3-0 victory was thoroughly deserved, outperforming Lyon both in shot quality and efficiency. Despite Lyon's 57% possession, they managed just 2 shots on target and an xG of 0.89 — a stark contrast to Hoffenheim's 8 shots on target and 2.13 xG. The German side's ability to convert chances proved decisive, with key contributions from Andrej Kramarić and Adam Hložek.

Tactically, Hoffenheim maximised their possession — 43% — by creating higher-quality opportunities. They unleashed 21 shots (13 inside the box) compared to Lyon's 8 (7 inside the box). Kramarić opened the scoring in the 45+4th minute, assisted Daghim in the 49th, and provided the assist for Hložek's 83rd-minute strike. Lyon's inability to translate their possession into meaningful chances — evidenced by just 1 shot outside the box — sealed their fate.

The defining stat? Lyon's 57% possession yielded just 0.89 xG — an efficiency gap Hoffenheim exploited ruthlessly.