Eintracht Frankfurt are top of their group in the last 16 of the Europa League and can avoid the intermediate round. The SGE played Fenerbahce to a 1-1 draw, which would not have been necessary due to a different result.
Fenerbahce coach Vitor Pereira and his team already had no chance of progressing before the game. The Istanbul team, with German World Cup winner Özil only on the bench, had already finished third in their group and will compete in the Europa Conference League in the new year.
The situation was completely different for Eintracht, who had already progressed in the Europa League. For the Hessians, it was all about securing first place and thus moving directly into the last 16, they would save themselves the intermediate round (where the group runners-up play) and thus two games. Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner inevitably made one change after the 2:3 in Hoffenheim: Hauge replaced the injured Lindström (thigh problems).
Sow rewards Eintracht – Hasebe blundered
The first half was clearly dominated by Frankfurt. The home side was already aware that there was nothing left to play for, with Berisha scoring only an offside goal in the 13th minute. The Hessians were more active – and also more dangerous: Borré (3rd) and Kamada (10th) shot too centrally, Jakic was just stopped in the penalty area (23rd) and a little later let a shot slip over his instep in a promising position (26th). The SGE kept going and were rewarded: Kamada won the ball, which landed via Kostic to Sow – and the midfielder finished down the right for 1:0 (29.).
It looked like a deserved 1:0 half-time lead for the Hessians. But out of nowhere and with the help of Frankfurt, Fenerbahce equalised: Hasebe failed to clear a cross from the right, the ball bounced to the feet of Berisha, who took advantage and finished from six metres (42). The goal conceded was also the fault of captain Hasebe, who could have, if not should have, cleared the ball.
Kostic’s shot most dangerous
The story of the second period is quickly told: Frankfurt continued to be more active, Fenerbahce hardly did anything for the game, there were hardly any chances on either side. It was obvious to the home side that nothing was at stake. Eintracht, knowing that the draw was enough for first place, did not play with full risk for victory.
Kostic’s shot was therefore the most dangerous in the second half, he just missed (58.). After the break, opportunities were absolutely scarce, the match no highlight. Since Lammers also missed (75th), the score remained 1-1. The Hessians could even have afforded a defeat, since Antwerp won 1-0 against Piraeus.
What counted: The SGE is first in the group and directly in the round of 16 and does not have to play the intermediate round. Fener will compete in the Europa Conference League. The draw for the next round will be made on Monday in Nyon. And what about the league? Fenerbahce plays host to Gaziantep on Monday (18.30). Frankfurt host Leverkusen on Sunday (5.30pm).
