Against a pale 1. FC Köln, the SBU in the Bundesliga could not convert its own superiority over long stretches. Eintracht Frankfurt has now been waiting for a win for eleven games across the season.
On Sunday (08/21/2022) Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Köln split 1-1 (0-0) after a tough duel. The Hessian Europa League winners of last season determined the game, but only Joker Daichi Kamada found a way through (71st). The Cologne team also needed a substitute to score. Jan Thielmann scored to equalize (82′).
Frankfurt with a back four – Pellegrini access strong
In any case, the hosts came into the game much better. And in a new system: Because SGE trainer Oliver Glasner let the team act in a chain of four, after a chain of three was the first choice for a long time.
This was also due to the departure of winger Filip Kostic (Juventus Turin). The Croatian was replaced by Luca Pellegrini, who was loaned out by Juve in return. He had his left side under control. Playfully, Pellegrini also fitted in well. He won two thirds of his duels and also drove the SBU offensively from the left. He also had the most ball contacts after central defender Evan Ndicka.
Cologne offensive against Frankfurt pretty pale
On the other hand, 1. FC Köln had to nibble on the mostly flawless Frankfurt block. The Rhinelanders, who are otherwise so keen on crossing and finishing, remained without a shot on goal for a long time. After all: The eleven of coach Steffen Baumgart did not allow too dangerous scenes themselves.
Sargis Adamyan fired the first FC shot on goal shortly before the break, Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp made a strong save (44th). Towards the break, Frankfurt was no longer so confident in building up the game, Cologne swam free for a few minutes.
Baumgart acts: three offensive changes before the hour mark
However, Frankfurt continued to have the upper hand in the second half. And so FC coach Steffen Baumgart set an impulse.
In Thielmann he brought a fresh starter for the front row, Florian Dietz and Linton Maina also came into play (56th). Adamyan, his strike partner Steffen Tigges and winger Dejan Ljubicic had to give way.
Baumgart and Glasner have a lucky hand
However, Baumgart’s opponent proved that she had a lucky hand. SGE trainer Glasner brought in Kamada for Jesper Lindström (71st). And the Japanese grabbed a dead ball just minutes later.
The Kamada free-kick from an acute angle was headed over the fists of goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe by Cologne captain Jonas Hector and thus became an unstoppable missile.
One of Frankfurt’s few mistakes was then punished coldly by Cologne. Ansgar Knauff’s header defense accidentally landed on Thielmann, who equalized with a fantastic volley.
The VAR checked whether Dietz was in Trapp’s field of vision – and therefore in a possible offside position – which took several minutes because referee Martin Petersen was looking at the scene on the screen. In the end, the goal counted.
Cologne welcomes Stuttgart, Eintracht takes on Bremen
Both Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Köln have Sunday appearances next weekend. FC has VfB Stuttgart as a guest (3.30 p.m.). And at the end of the 4th matchday, the SBU at Werder Bremen has to pass later (5.30 p.m.).