Eintracht Frankfurt had to settle for a 2-2 (1-1) draw against TSG Hoffenheim in the European Cup dress rehearsal. But the fans were already looking towards London.
The professionals from Eintracht Frankfurt seemed a little at a loss. But the Hessen fans celebrated their team with European Cup chants and demanded an “away win” at West Ham United on Thursday. The dress rehearsal in the Bundesliga was only partially successful.
“We invest a lot, but we don’t manage to win in time,” said Frankfurt’s Sebastian Rode after the 2-2 (1-1) win against TSG Hoffenheim on Sky. Ansgar Knauff added: “It’s a bit annoying because we’re leading 2-1.” Frankfurt have been waiting for a win for five league games. The main focus was on “double packer” Evan Ndicka in front of 50,500 fans.
In the dress rehearsal for the semi-final first leg in the Europa League on Thursday (21 in the live ticker) in London, the Frankfurter first headed into his own goal (12′), then scored to equalize (32′) before preparing Daichi Kamada’s goal (66 .). Georginio Rutter (78th) saved at least one point in the European Cup race for Hoffenheim’s coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who have been without a win for six games.
After the rotation at Union Berlin (0:2), Glasner brought his starting eleven back. National goalkeeper Kevin Trapp reported fit, and Knauff, Rode, Kamada and Rafael Borre also joined the team.
Frankfurt got off to a bad start
Glasner had called for the starting signal for “four fantastic weeks in which we want to achieve a lot” – but in the first home game after the triumph in Barcelona, the SBU was caught cold. Ndicka headed a harmless cross from TSG striker Andrej Kramaric into his own goal.
Despite the early deficit, Eintracht struggled, but found it difficult against Hoffenheim, who were deep. The Hessians only developed more goal threat after Munas Dabbur (23rd) missed the second goal against the strong Kevin Trapp. Ndicka hit a header – this time on the right side – for a well-deserved equalizer.
Little came from the guests, who continue to struggle with personnel problems due to injuries and suspensions. The Kraichgauer also had to thank goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who reacted excellently several times – including against Jesper Lindström (39th).
After the break, the game started as disorganized as in the first half. Both teams lacked brilliant ideas on the offensive. The Frankfurters, who can probably only qualify again for international business with a Europa League triumph, were optically superior.
And they rewarded themselves when Kamada soulfully flicked the ball into the corner. In the middle was once again Ndicka, who threw up the opening goal from the crowd. In the final phase, TSG at least improved a little, Ihlas Bebou (72nd) came to a dangerous conclusion. Rutter then saved a point.
Eintracht Frankfurt – TSG Hoffenheim: The data for the game
