Completion of the 1st matchday
Dino Toppmöller celebrated a successful Bundesliga debut as head coach of Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to star striker Randal Kolo Muani. The Hessians beat promoted Darmstadt 98 1-0 (1-0) on Sunday. France international Kolo Muani scored in the 40th minute and gave his team a perfect start to the season in front of 55,000 fans at home.
Despite speculation about a move back to Paris Saint-Germain, 24-year-old top scorer Kolo Muani was committed, professional and a constant source of trouble. Eintracht sports director Markus Krösche had confirmed before kick-off that there was an offer for the vice world champion, but without naming the club in question. At the same time, he reiterated that it was “not the goal” to “sell” him. According to reports, the record champions from Paris have made an offer of 70 million euros, Eintracht is probably demanding 30 million euros more.
He showed just how valuable Kolo Muani is for Frankfurt just before the break when he was there after a cross pass from Philipp Max, albeit culpably left unmarked by the guests. The exceptional attacker had his first chance in the Hessen derby in the 17th minute, but couldn’t control a sharp cross from Dina Ebimbe in front of the goal.
Darmstadt still played with a lot of respect in the first half when they returned to the top flight after almost seven years, but not like the number one relegated team that many experts see in Hessen. In the second half, Darmstadt had three big chances in quick succession to turn the game around.
First, Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp proved to be the savior in need for the cup finalists. In the 53rd minute, he was just able to fend off a cross pass with his foot, otherwise Fraser Hornby could have simply pushed the ball over the goal line. Four minutes later, Matej Maglica fired just over the crossbar from five yards. Frankfurt were even luckier in the 65th minute when Darmstadt’s returnee Luca Pfeiffer hit the post with a header. A goal would have been a nice gift for him on his 27th birthday.
In the end, the hosts, who were superior in terms of play but were under a lot of pressure after the restart, managed to achieve a somewhat flattering three-point win. Eintracht remained unbeaten in eleven Bundesliga home games across the season. After the cup defeat at regional league FC Homburg (0:3), the Darmstadt team was unable to make amends, but at least they were able to send a small signal with their performance that they should not be underestimated by the competition.
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