Eintracht Frankfurt have reached the Europa League semi-finals thanks to a very strong performance in Barcelona. Those involved happily summed up what happened and found plenty of praise – including, of course, for the fans.
Kevin Trapp was speechless at first. But then, talking to RTL, the keeper found the words. “Everyone thought we would come here and Barcelona would shoot us out of the stadium,” he explained. But that was not the case. In the end, Frankfurt won 3:2 against the big FCB. The Hessians are now in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will first play West Ham United on 28 April.
But how did Frankfurt manage to break down the in-form Catalans (previously 15 competitive games without defeat)? “We knew we would have to suffer a lot and that Barcelona would have a lot of possession,” Trapp explained, continuing, “We had to counter that; be very, very concentrated and take the chances we get going forward. We also had to be efficient – and we did that brilliantly today. “
Glasner finds everything “quite extraordinary “
Coach Oliver Glasner agreed, describing his team’s performance as “incredible”. “At the back we made it a bit tense for no reason, but for 85 minutes it was outstanding.” The Austrian was particularly impressed by the defensive stability, but also the constant danger going forward. “To get further in the Camp Nou is extraordinary. There aren’t many teams that win here,” Glasner rejoiced. Therefore: “Huge compliments to the boys”. In combination with the fans, “who have always supported us”, the result was a “wonderful evening”. An unforgettable night.
These emotional highlights are what you get in sport, in football. You can’t buy them with any money in the world – and that’s wonderful,” continued Glasner happily. Of course, the aim now is to reach the final, as Sebastian Rode also said. The captain knew even before kick-off that there was a lot in it for him – because of the fans: “We played an outstanding game today, and that already started when we went out onto the pitch to warm up and saw the fans. It gave you goose bumps. Then you want to tear yourself apart for the dream of winning at Barça. “
That the game was close in the end? “Annoying,” said Rode. But forgiven. “We could even have scored one or two goals more.” After the fight (Rode: “We defended incredibly well and in the transition game we hurt Barcelona enormously”) dreaming is now allowed. “But first of all we celebrate this incredible victory.” The still stunned Glasner said meaningfully: “You have to enjoy such evenings.” From now on, “we don’t have to hide from anyone,” Trapp is certain.
