Eintracht Frankfurt initially proved to be a generous host in the derby against Darmstadt 98, but then deservedly made it into the DFB Cup quarter-finals. Mario Götze and Randal Kolo Muani impress even the opponent.
As Mario Götze after Eintracht Frankfurt defeated SV Darmstadt 98 in a 4-2 derby was asked about Randal Kolo Muani late Tuesday evening, the world champion of 2014 really got into raptures. “He has an incredible quality, he gives our game a lot,” praised Götze on the ARD microphone and even added: “We enjoy it with him, he’s a sensationally good player.”
Kolo Muani, to whom the Eintracht supporters have already dedicated a fan song after just six months, had previously made a significant contribution to entering the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup with two goals and an assist and, together with the also outstanding Götze, had a temporary phase of weakness the unity concealed. The win against the leaders of the second division was deserved and once again a testament to outstanding individual class, but it was on shaky ground for a short time. Eintracht proved to be a generous, but then also merciless host.
Honsak uses Eintracht mistakes coldly
How does that fit together? After the well-played lead by Kolo Muani (6th minute), prepared by the again strong Aurelio Buta, Rafael Borré (11th) and Götze (23rd) initially missed two top-class chances. “We have to close the sack. I also have to score a goal,” admitted Götze. Then the Frankfurt defensive gave the South Hessian guests two perfect transition situations.
First, a loss of ball caused by Makoto Hasebe and Sebastian Rode in the build-up game initiated the equalization (29th), only two minutes later a long ball and a lost header duel by Evan N’Dicka was enough to overwhelm the entire Frankfurt defense (31st minute). .).
Double beneficiary: Mathias Honsak, who turned the game upside down in the meantime and shot the courageous Lilien into the lead. “We were punished because we were too careless and made mistakes that were too easy. But Darmstadt also played well.”analyzed Eintracht sports director Markus Krösche.
Eintracht shakes and strikes back
The Eintracht, which has been so efficient and hard-nosed so far this year, showed human traits and caused unnecessary unrest in the Hessen derby, which was surprisingly factual at the time. It could have been 3-0, maybe even had to. The reality on the scoreboard said something different after just over half an hour. “Suddenly it was 1:2. We made it difficult for ourselves,” summarized captain Sebastian Rode and added: “But we came back well.” That too: absolutely correct.
Led by Götze, who once again excelled as a ball distributor and conductor and was ennobled by his coach Oliver Glasner as “best player of the game”, Eintracht switched back to attacking mode immediately after falling behind and unfolded the power that was so special this season. Borré, who was a great substitute for the injured Jesper Lindström, scored before the break, Daichi Kamada (63′) and the already mentioned Kolo Muani (90′) made everything clear after the break.
All goals with that certain something
The special thing about the goals: All three were worth seeing. All three underlined the special abilities of this team: tackling strength, extra class football and enormous speed.
Example number one: the 2:2. Philipp Max forced an early ball loss with an energetic attack, after a bit of ping-pong in the penalty area, Götze, standing with his back to the goal, put the ball across goal scorer Borré with just one contact. First a lot of effort, then a lot of feeling.
Example number two: the 3:2. After a one-two from Borré and Götze, the Colombian served Kolo Muani, who put his head straight to Kamada, who also didn’t hesitate and didn’t give Darmstadt goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen a chance with his direct acceptance from almost 18 meters. Four players, four ball contacts, no chance to defend.
Example number three: the 4:2. After the Frankfurt three-man chain had won the ball, Götze let his opponent run into the void with a brief body deception and sent Kolo Muani on a pass down the field. The young Frenchman switched on the turbo and made sure of the final score with a well-considered shot into the far post. A perfect counter.
Honsak is amazed at the Eintracht offensive
The whole truth is that Lilien, who played strongly, had more chances to score and even hit the post, but the immense quality of Frankfurt’s attacking series made the difference that evening and the wobbles in defense were forgotten. With a little more consistency, Rode after a Götze cross (62nd) and Buta after a Götze dream pass (72nd) could have even improved the result. “The quality of Eintracht is just very good. There were phases when we really had to suffer,” admitted Lilien-Keeper shoes.
One thing is clear: The lilies showed impressively that they can definitely keep up in the Bundesliga. But it is also clear that Eintracht is simply better in its current form and that evening, thanks above all to the world-class performances of Götze and Kolo Muani, left the pitch as winners. “These are incredible players and incredible names. When they’re having a good day, they’re unstoppable,” summarized doubles scorer Honsak. “That’s exactly where we want to go.”
