Two goals in stoppage time: Frankfurt turns dramatic game against Gladbach

Eintracht Frankfurt still defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in stoppage time in a dramatic Bundesliga game – the deciding factor was a sending off.

What drama. Eintracht Frankfurt had a crazy one on Wednesday evening (December 20th, 2023). finish Borussia Mönchengladbach beaten 2:1 (0:1). Max Wöber became a tragic figure. First he gave Gladbach the lead (27th minute) and was almost allowed to do so Match winner feel. Then he was sent off after a yellow-red card in the 88th minute. With the advantage, Frankfurt turned the game around in stoppage time with goals from Aurelio Buta (90+2) and Robin Koch (90+7).

Toppmöller is “incredibly proud” of his team

Frankfurt Coach Dino Toppmöller said after the grueling 99 minutes at the Sportschau microphone: “At halftime we said, boys, let’s give it our all again, we want to go over the limit for another 45 minutes. The boys did that incredibly well. And yes, in the end it was just a performance of energy, a performance of will, if You can see how Robin pushes the ball over the line with the last of his strength. I’m incredibly proud of the boys.”

Frankfurt winters in sixth place in the table with 24 points and is involved in the fight for the European Cup places. Mönchengladbach is languishing in midfield in twelfth place with 17 points.

Home strength against Away weakness

For both teams, after upheaval at the start of the season and a mixed first half of the season, it was all about finding their own fans to offer a conciliatory end to the year. Home strength met away weakness: The SGE had only lost in the previous 17 home games against VfB Stuttgart at the end of November and most recently humiliated FC Bayern 5-1, Gladbach had only managed one win in the previous 15 away games against 1899 Hoffenheim – at the end of January .

In their 99th Bundesliga duel, both were looking teams Right from the start they found their salvation on the offensive, without initially being able to create any top-class chances – which was also due to the fact that the final passes didn’t arrive. Frankfurt’s Willian had the best opportunity Pacho (22.), who put a shot from 18 meters just over the crossbar.

Gladbach’s first real chance is right there

With their first real chance, Borussia took the lead five minutes later. After a corner from Franck Honorat Wöber came unchallenged to head the ball from eleven meters and sank the ball into the far corner. The Eintracht defense completely lacked coordination in this scene, the whole thing team was impressed afterwards. Seven minutes later, Wöber (34th) had a pass from Alassane Plea SGE goalkeeper Kevin Trapp just cleared his slightly deflected shot from the left-hand position in the penalty area for a corner.

Frankfurt tried to catch up, but in the crucial moments there was always a lack of precision and ultimate determination. So we went into the break with Gladbach’s narrow lead.

Moments of shock after a collision

There was a moment of shock shortly after the restart, when after a free kick from Fares Chaibi (51.) the rushing VfL goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas and colleague Luca Netz collided with their heads – both were able to continue playing after a break for treatment. Gladbach’s Wöber (74th) pulled away after a headerCrash with Mario Götze Cut to – the Borussia player continued playing, the Frankfurt player went out shortly afterwards.

The game developed into an open exchange of blows. Eintracht pushed for an equalizer, but also gave Gladbach a lot of space. First failed Chaibi (54th) with a low shot from the left past the strong parrying Nicolas, then Gladbachs scored Manu Kone (62.) the ball from the backcourt just next to the left post.

Yellow-red for Wöber changes everything

The game continued to swing back and forth, with chances on both sides. Eintracht dominated the game, but the playful elements were missing. Borussia defended self-sacrificingly, although Wöber overdid it. After a “stamp” on the foot of Chaibi he had to leave the field with a yellow-red card two minutes before the end of regular time.

Then the Frankfurt Christmas fairy tale began. In stoppage time, Buta and Koch, following an assist from substitute Niels Nkounkou, ensured a victory that was no longer thought possible and caused ecstasy in the Frankfurt Arena.

For Gladbach, however, there was no end to the horror series. Borussia has not won a game at the end of the year since 2003.

SGE after the winter break in Leipzig, Gladbach against Stuttgart

For Frankfurt, league operations continue after the winter break at RB Leipzig (January 13, 2024, 3:30 p.m.). Gladbach welcomes VfB Stuttgart the next day at 5:30 p.m.