Relief for Eintracht Frankfurt: After six consecutive draws in competitive matches, the SGE beat Royal Antwerp 1-0 in their second group match. Decisive factor: Oliver Glasner’s substitution.
Don’t play 1:1 again: That was probably Frankfurt’s motto for the second group match against Royal Antwerp. After five 1-1 draws in a row, including in the opening game against Fenerbahce and most recently in the Bundesliga against Cologne, coach Oliver Glasner and his team were aiming for three points – and got off to a flying start.
Furious start
With three changes from the Cologne game – Hrustic, Hasebe and Toure replaced Hauge and the injured Durm and Ndicka – Hinteregger tested Butez in the Belgian box after just three minutes with his powerful free-kick. A little later, Lammers missed the ball from close range (7th).
Spurred on by the loud fans, the SGE remained in control of the game, but lacked precision and determination. As did Kostic, first with his central shot (18th) and five minutes later when he failed to beat Butez. In any case, the action was whistled back for offside.
Royal Antwerp, who had Johannes Eggestein and Nainggolan in the starting eleven and rarely came out of their own half, withdrew and tried to set pinpricks via counterattacks. But the Belgians also lacked the finishing touch in the first half. The eye-catching Martin only hit the outside of the net and later the stands (34th, 40th).
Baller throw towards Trapp
Eintracht continued to struggle in the second half. The defence around Hasebe was solid, but the uninspired Frankfurt team had little to offer going forward. The first excitement: A firecracker from the home fans’ block exploded directly behind SGE goalkeeper Trapp, who had to be treated (47th). A real flow of the game was rare due to a lot of nodding, fouls and a heated atmosphere. It was only by chance that the home side had their best chance: after an involuntary assist from Jakic, Samatta shot the ball over the top of the box in a one-on-one with Trapp (65th).
Jokers sting
Frankfurt fought back against the threat of another draw, especially in the final phase. When Hinteregger missed, the game seemed already decided (83rd). But Glasner’s joker stung. After Dinis Almeida had brought down substitute Lindström in the penalty area, Paciencia, also a substitute, converted the penalty (90.+1) and gave Eintracht their first group win at the second attempt and Glasner his first competitive win as SGE coach. Royal Antwerp, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in a row.
Royal Antwerp continue their Jupiler Pro League campaign with a home match against KAA Gent on Sunday (18.30). Frankfurt also take the tough trip to FC Bayern on Sunday (17.30).
