Eintracht Frankfurt has at least managed a 0-0 draw with Italian champions SSC Napoli in the Champions League after conceding ten goals in two games.
The 0-0 draw leaves both clubs stuck in the middle of the 36-club table with four points each from four games. In the final table, the best eight teams reach the round of 16 directly. The 16 teams in places 9 to 24 will play the eight other teams in the round of 16 in a knockout round.
“Naples had more of the game, but in the end the 0-0 was okay,” said Frankfurt captain Robin Koch in HR. Frankfurt’s defense held up – which was progress considering two 5-1 defeats against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. “When we defend together like that, it’s fun,” said Koch.
Naples with the better start
Eintracht, who recently slipped behind the European Cup places in the Bundesliga with a 1-1 draw at 1. FC Heidenheim, had their first goal on goal through Jean Bahoya. It came into the penalty area from the left, but Naples goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić easily recovered the ball (3′).
Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown (l.) in a duel with Naples’ Matteo Politano
SSC Napoli, Italian champions and currently leaders of Serie A, quickly found an answer and had chances: Rasmus Höjlund was denied from the turn by Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer (6th). Then Eljif Elmas came into the Frankfurt penalty area, outplayed both Rasmus Kristensen and Mario Götze and was denied by goalkeeper Zetterer from nine meters (13′). As a result, the game lacked goal area scenes on both sides until the break.
McTominay misses Naples’ big chance
In the second half it took a long time until the first dangerous scene. In the 68th minute, Scott McTominay shot with his left, Robin Koch blocked.
Then Knauff had the lead for Eintracht: Kristensen’s cross was unfortunately passed on to Ansgar Knauff by the Naples defense, but his unplaced shot was parried by goalkeeper Milinković-Savić (73′). Then Naples’ Frank Anguissa had a free shot, but was too surprised by the opportunity to finish (76′).
Naples had the best chance to take the lead in the final phase: Anguissa played a free ball to McTominay, who had a clear shot from ten meters but aimed well over the goal (83′). Naples continued to try to apply pressure. Frankfurt goalkeeper Zetterer saved several times in the end – but this time Frankfurt’s defense remained stable.
Eintracht fans excluded from Naples
Eintracht Frankfurt fans were not allowed to go to the game in Naples. This was an official decision, not a UEFA decision. The Prefect of Naples had one “Ban on ticket sales to Frankfurt citizens for all areas of the stadium” imposed, with reference to the riots in the city of Naples during the game between the two clubs in 2023. During these incidents, there was also a ban on away fans.
The Football Supporters Europe fan alliance criticized the decision, Eintracht applied to UEFA to host the game on neutral ground – in vain. “As a result, we unfortunately have to note that the strategy of excluding away fans from high-risk games has now become common practice in Italian football – nationally and internationally.”said Eintracht Frankfurt board member Philipp Reschke on the topic.
Frankfurt now against Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga
Frankfurt’s home game in the Bundesliga is now on Sunday (7:30 p.m.) against 1. FSV Mainz 05, and on Saturday after the international match window (November 22, 2025/6:30 p.m.) they go to 1. FC Cologne. In the Champions League on November 26th (9 p.m.) Atalanta Bergamo will once again be an opponent from Italy.
SSC Napoli will play in Serie A on Sunday (3 p.m.) at fifth-placed FC Bologna and will then host Frankfurt’s next Champions League opponent Atalanta Bergamo (November 22, 2025/8:45 p.m.). The next opponent in the Champions League is Qarabag FK from Azerbaijan (November 25, 2025/9 p.m.).