Despite a double pack of Hugo Ekitiké, Eintracht Frankfurt was not the winner for the first time this year.
After four competitive victories in a row, the Hesse did not get out of a 2-2 (1-0) at the relegation-threatened TSG Hoffenheim on the 19th matchday of the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, the third in the table can dream of the Champions League. The lead to first place outside the premier class is five points.
Ekitiké scored by penalty (26th) and after a strong combination (71st) for the Frankfurters at the “home game” in Sinsheim. “I’m very disappointed,” he said in the “DAZN” interview, “that was a bit stupid. But a game has more than 90 minutes. I just do my job and do my best.”
Eintracht can demonstrate its shape again on Thursday: Before the last game in the Ligaphase of the Europa League at AS Rome, the team of coach Dino Toppmöller has almost safe the round of 16.
Gift Orban (65th) and Adam Hlozek (90.+5) saved the TSG a valuable point in the relegation battle.
Before the game, the personal details determined the headlines on both sides. After the transfer from Marmoush to Manchester City for up to 80 million euros, Eintracht Elye Wahi committed as a replacement. The 22-year-old comes from Olympique Marseille and costs up to 26 million-Wahi is the most expensive access in harmony.
“He is hungry for goals, he is a classic nine,” said Toppmöller shortly before the kick -off at “DAZN” about Wahi, who has not yet stood in the squad: “We have to see how quickly we can integrate him. Time to get used to and hope that he will start. “
With the Hoffenheimers, the violation of national goalkeeper Oliver Baumann causes a headache. The TSG captain and record player fails for weeks due to a tendon injury. For Baumann, replacement goalkeeper Luca Philipp stood between the posts.
The 30,150 spectators in the sold -out arena, about half of them from Frankfurt, almost saw the lead for the Hoffenheimer in the 6th minute. Adam Hlozek’s shot landed on the crossbar.
After a quarter of an hour, the Frankfurter took command. The hosts, in addition to Baumann, also Ihlas Bebou, Ozan Kabak, Grischa Prömel, Diadie Samassekou and Umut Tohumcu, were pushed on the defensive.
Hoffenheim increases the pressure
Eintracht used a penalty to lead. Ekitiké was fouled by Kevin Akpoguma and converted himself. Referee Sascha Stegemann (Niederkassel) needed the video evidence for the correct decision.
Towards the end of the first round, the TSG became stronger again, and the guests came under massive pressure. Max Moerstedt (37th) and Hlozek (38th) had the equalization on the foot.
Hoffenheim remained on the trigger at the beginning of the second half. Anton Stach failed on Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (52nd). A hit by HloZek was not recognized because of offside (59.). A little later, Joker Orban did better after Hlozek. Andrej Kramaric met the outdoor post shortly afterwards (70th), Ekitiké, on the other hand.