Double pack Knauff
© Imago
Eintracht Frankfurt is a big step closer to a Champions League starting area thanks to the impressive home win against RB Leipzig. On the 31st matchday of the Bundesliga, the Hessen won the direct duel with the almost half of the guests playing outnumbered 4: 0 (1-0) and strengthened third place in the table.
Due to the significant success in the top game, the lead of Eintracht is now six points on the Leipziger. RB, on the other hand, is only fifth and would currently miss the qualification for the premier class. In addition, the Frankfurt curse continued for the Saxons: Even in the tenth competitive game against Eintracht, the Leipzigers did not win.
Ansgar Knauff put the home side in the lead with the first Frankfurt chance (21st minute). Knauff also achieved 2: 0 (53.) after Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu had just seen the red card because of an emergency brake (50th). Attacker Hugo Ekitiké (67th) and defense chief Robin Koch (71.) each ensured the final score with a header.
Instead of an offensive spectacle, the 56,500 spectators in Frankfurt first saw a scan. Only RB striker Benjamin Sesko checked Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with a long-range shot, who could not hold the ball, but at least clarify the corner. And the Frankfurt offensive? It was practically not existing for 20 minutes, but then struck ice cold. The fast Ekitiké used the place on a counterattack with a dribbling and a pass on Knauff, which met for the lead.
With the 1-0 in the back, the home side played much more freely. The Eintracht was now more gripper and had the opportunity to expand the lead several times until half -time. Tuta failed with a massive header on RB goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt (24th). The Belgian represented regular goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi, who was missing after a clash in the previous week during the game against Holstein Kiel. Shortly before the break, Bitshiabu clarified a shot from Knauff in the highest need (40th). RB remained offensive until the break.
After the change of sides, the guests came even worse. Bitshiabu – in half one the savior – Knauff brought down shortly before the penalty area as the last field player and legitimately saw the red card.
It continued just as bitter for the Saxons. The subsequent free kick from Arthur Theate fended off Vandevoordt directly to Knauff, who promoted the margin into the goal. Eintracht remained game -determining, while RB disappointed all along the line. Ekitiké and Koch also encountered superiority into goals, so that the evening became a nightmare for the Leipzig.