Eintracht Frankfurt missed the early knockout stages
Frankfurt’s Lucas Silva Melo (right) and Radja Nainggolan of Antwerp fight for the ball.
Source: dpa / Arne Dedert
30 thousand spectators and the best home atmosphere for Frankfurt: But that was not enough to qualify for the round of 16. Eintracht Frankfurt equalized against Royal Antwerp in stoppage time.
NSEintracht Frankfurt missed out on the group’s premature win in the Europa League and should tremble about direct entry into the Round of 16. Hessan Bundesliga club came on Thursday night after a long and poor performance against Belgian representative Royal Antwerp only with a score of 2:2 (1:1) and needed at least one point in the group final on December 9th in Fenerbahce, Istanbul, to win. Playoffs to skip and buy the last 16 teams’ Round of 16 ticket.
In front of 30 thousand spectators, Daichi Kamada gave Eintracht the lead in the 13th minute, but Radja Nainggolan (33) and Ali Samata (88) turned the match around. Substitute Gonçalo Paciência (90 + 4) Keep at least 1 point.
After the recent 2-0 win in the Bundesliga at Freiburg, Eintracht coach Oliver Glasner trusted the same starting lineup, which started lightly and confidently. However, the necessary accuracy was lacking at first. So the tour came as a surprise. Timothy Chandler sent a cross from the right into the penalty area, with Kamada turning straight into the penalty area. It was Japan’s third goal in the Europa League season.
The hoped-for hilarious relief did not find its way. Instead, the guests almost came at 1:1 speed. After the uncertainty of Kevin Trapp, Antwerp striker Michael Frey exited the penalty area, but the Eintracht goalkeeper managed to correct his mistake himself.
The Frankfurt team dominated the match, but their attack never really started. The Belgian goal was not in serious danger until the end of the first half. So compensation was not undeserved. After a corner kick, Nainggolan hit the ball into the net, his shot deflected twice, and thus Trapp could not defend it.
After this move, the Hessians increased the pressure, but the chances remained slim. The only thing that caused a stir were the Belgian fans, who burned fireworks an hour later in the stands. Shortly thereafter, Eintracht fans lit a firecracker behind the visitors’ goal, at which point English referee Paul Tierney briefly interrupted the match.
Once the game was released again, there was the next shocking moment for Eintracht. After a free kick, Ritchie de Lait put the ball past Trapp in the far corner, but video evidence saved Eintracht. Since the shooter was only an offside, the hit was pulled. In the final stage, the disturbances returned again. When Eintracht seemed to lose again, Paciencia was there.
