BERLIN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian striker Joelinton's late equalizer secured Hoffenheim a hard-earned 3-3 draw at home to Olympique Lyon in the third round of Champions League's group stage on Tuesday.
The visitors assumed control from the kick-off and came to a promising chance with just two minutes played as Tanguy Ndombele's back heel pass allowed Bertrand Traore to unleash a dangerous shot on target.
Hoffenheim needed some time to gain a foothold in the game as Ishak Belfodil's long-range effort became the hosts' first chance in the 19th minute. Lyon remained the more active team and they eventually opened the scoring with 26 minutes played as Traore punished Kevin Vogt's reckless turnover inside his own box.
The hosts responded well six minutes later after Pavel Kaderabek's header into the box found Andrej Kramaric, who tapped home the equalizer. Hoffenheim gained momentum and pressed Lyon well.
Nevertheless, the hosts failed to make the most of their chances before the break. After the restart, Hoffenheim caught a bright spark as Kramaric scored at the near post in the 47th minute. Lyon remained unimpressed and shocked Julian Nagelsmann's men against the run of play, as Ndombele overcame Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann with a powerful right-footed shot in the 59th minute.
To make things worse for the hosts, defender Kevin Akpoguma underestimated a long ball, which allowed Memphis Depay to beat the on-rushing Baumann for the 3-2 lead with 23 minutes left in the match.
Hoffenheim kept pressing for the equalizer as Vogt came close before substitute Joelinton tapped home Nico Schulz' cross into the box to make it 3-3 in the dying minutes of the game.
With the result, Manchester City lead Group F with six points followed by Lyon (five points), Hoffenheim (two points) and Donetsk (two points).
