Angered Ekitiké Thrills Frankfurt Post Half-Time of Lackluster Cup Match
Eintracht Braunschweig and Eintracht Frankfurt start their DFB Cup duel tactfully, but Hugo Ekitike ignites things up and contributes to three goals within nine minutes. Despite scoring an honor goal, the second-division team ends up outmatched.
First, an excellent assist, then a brace with finesse: Hugo Ekitike charms Eintracht Frankfurt into the second round of the DFB Cup. The French striker became the game-changer with his skillful play and unyielding spirit in their 4-1 (0-0) victory over Eintracht Braunschweig's second-division basement club. The Hessians eventually upheld their title as clear favorites after initial challenges.
The first half ended in a stalemate, but Ekitike, in the duel of two historically significant clubs with 21,201 spectators, provided the assist for Fares Chaibi's opener with a remarkable outside-the-boot pass (52nd). Four minutes later, Ekitike himself scored the second goal with exquisite precision following a dazzling solo run (56th). He then added the third goal with a lofty finish (61st). Coach Dino Toppmöller allowed a sub for Ekitike shortly afterward. Igor Matanovic added another goal (88th), and Levente Szabo scored for Braunschweig (89th).
Ten years since their last meeting - Frankfurt captain Kevin Trapp and his Braunschweig counterpart Ermin Bicakcic were already on the field for their respective teams in the 3-0 victory in 2014 - the power dynamics were transparent. Frankfurt, last year's Bundesliga sixth-place team and five-time cup champions, featured a superior individual skill set, while the revamped Braunschweig team, winless in their first two league games, had fallen to their third defeat in a row.
Braunschweig more threatening early on
Frankfurt attempted to dominate the game right from the start and dictate the tempo. World Cup winner Mario Götze was expected to take the initiative behind Ekitike, but Frankfurt struggled to create dangerous chances in the first half. Creativity in and around the penalty area was sparse - goalkeeper Lennart Grill of the home team turned away only a header by defender Robin Koch (11th) and a long-range shot by Omar Marmoush (45th).
The supported Braunschweig team defended courageously and even posed a threat on their sporadic counterattacks. Walid Ould-Chikh announced their presence early with a powerful shot (7th). Following an extended period of frustrated pressure from Frankfurt, a hesitant Trapp run-out after a corner gave Braunschweig's striker Johan Gomez a promising opportunity (27th). The home team then became more daring and opened up the game.
Following a tense start to the second half, Frankfurt, gearing up for a Bundesliga opener against Dortmund next Saturday, heightened their pressure - and they did so swiftly. Braunschweig almost scored at the 59-minute mark, but the apparent 1-2 goal was waved off for offside, and the match was decided shortly afterward.
In the midst of the duel, Hugo Ekitike showcases his Soccer skills, providing an assist for Fares Chaibi's goal with a brilliant outside-the-boot pass. Despite Frankfurt's initial dominance, it's Ekitike's performance that turns the tide in their favor, culminating in a 4-1 victory over Eintracht Braunschweig.
