Eintracht Frankfurt will definitely play in the Europa League next season. In the best case scenario, even the premier class beckons. A nice farewell gift for two long-time top performers.
Eintracht Frankfurt defended sixth place in the Bundesliga following the emotional farewell to the careers of captain Sebastian Rode and veteran Makoto Hasebe and can continue to dream of the Champions League. The Hessians came from a two-goal deficit to a 2-2 (0-1) draw against RB Leipzig and thus secured their place in the Europa League.
Xavi Simons with a penalty in the 42nd minute and Benjamin Sesko (46th) gave Leipzig a two-goal cushion, but Hugo Ekitiké (51st), Omar Marmoush (69th/penalty) equalized for Eintracht. If Borussia Dortmund wins the Champions League on June 1st, Frankfurt will even be in the premier class next season.
Frankfurt dominated the game at the beginning and created a few chances, which, however, remained unused. Ekitiké and Marmoush each failed because of RB goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, who was only number two behind Peter Gulacsi in the second half of the season and could leave the club during the summer break.
Video cube provides interruption
There was initially little to be seen on offense from the Saxons, who had already qualified for the Champions League. The lead was all the more surprising for the guests thanks to a penalty from Xavi converted at the second attempt. The Dutchman put his first attempt next to the goal, but the ball had not yet been released by referee Felix Zwayer. Previously, Mario Götze had knocked the goalscorer off his feet in a duel in the penalty area.
Immediately after the restart, Leipzig scored their second effective goal. The Frankfurt defense let Sesko in the center and the RB striker hammered the ball under the crossbar from around 20 meters, making it unstoppable for Eintracht keeper Kevin Trapp.
Shortly afterwards the game had to be interrupted for several minutes. The curious reason: Due to heavy smoke development after the use of pyrotechnics, the smoke alarm in the video cube of the Frankfurt Arena turned on. The device was then automatically shut down towards the playing field.
Marmoush saves late draw
As things continued, the Hessians scored straight away. Ekitiké scored with a header from a cross from Angar Knauff. Frankfurt was now pressing, but Leipzig had the next big chance. First, an unsuccessful return from Eintracht defender Tuta landed on the post, and Eljif Elmas also hit the post.
In the wild exchange of blows it was Frankfurt’s turn again. Marmoush fell in a challenge with Benjamin Henrichs in the penalty area. According to video evidence, Zwayer gave a penalty, which the fouled man safely converted.
In stoppage time, the future football retirees Rode and Hasebe finally made their last appearance. The duo were cheered wildly by the fans when they were substituted and were given a fitting farewell after the final whistle.
Source: Stern
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