OFI Crete - Hoffenheim

Thursday, 17 September 2026, marks the opening of the Europa League campaign at Pankritio Stadium as OFI Crete welcome Hoffenheim. The hosts enter the contest in confident spirits, having secured a notable 1-0 victory over Olympiacos in their most recent league outing. While the side will be without the injured Dimitrios Nikolaou, the expected XI features a balanced approach with Kenan Kodro and Taxiarchis Fountas leading the attacking line.

Hoffenheim arrive in Greece following a hard-fought 2-1 win against VfB Stuttgart, a result that helped steady their form after a pair of narrow Bundesliga defeats. With Oliver Baumann anchoring the defense and Adam Hlozek spearheading the forward movement, the visitors will look to impose their tactical discipline on the match. How the home side manages the step up in competition against Bundesliga opposition will likely determine the outcome of this opening fixture.