Champions League - Final for Eintracht women: Only victory against Benfica will help
Only a win counts for Eintracht Frankfurt against Benfica Lisbon in the first group final of the premier class. After losing 1-0 at the Portuguese champions the previous week, the Bundesliga's third-placed team must win the game on Thursday (6.45 p.m.) to keep their chances of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
Eintracht currently have three points and are in third place in Group A behind defending champions FC Barcelona (9) and Lisbon (6). "We want to win, three points are the most important thing. Winning by two goals would be even better, of course," said Eintracht coach Niko Arnautis on Wednesday about the starting position. That would win the direct comparison, which is the deciding factor in the event of a points tie.
The 43-year-old wants the clash at Deutsche Bank Park to be a day of celebration. "The team should enjoy the game, show their faces and be proud after the game," said Arnautis. In order to be successful in the end, a focused and determined performance is required.
"We can beat Lisbon, but we need our quality for 90 minutes without any phases where we let up. Enthusiasm, passion, motivation and emotion are our trump cards," Arnautis emphasized.
The players are ignoring the pressure to succeed. "I have the feeling in training that everyone is clearly looking forward to the game. Negative scenarios are not an issue," reported striker Laura Freigang. The international is looking forward to a great evening of soccer in which the team wants to show "a completely different face". "Benfica haven't seen our soccer yet. If we can do that, it will be a completely different game," predicted the 25-year-old.
Women's Champions League table
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- Despite their third-place standing in Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt needs a victory against Benfica Lisbon to secure their chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, having lost 1-0 to the Portuguese champions in the previous game.
- Sitting behind defending champions FC Barcelona (9 points) and Lisbon (6 points) in the group, Eintracht Frankfurt's coach, Niko Arnautis, stressed the importance of winning three points in Thursday's match to win the direct comparison in case of a points tie.
- With Eintracht Frankfurt looking to celebrate their performance during the game, coach Arnautis emphasized the need for a focused and determined display, highlighting their enthusiasm, passion, motivation, and emotion as leading factors towards victory.
- In her reflection on the team's build-up to the game, striker Laura Freigang revealed a positive attitude, speaking of her teammates' excitement and lack of concern over negative scenarios that may arise.
- Predicting a different approach from the team, Freigang acknowledged that "Benfica haven't seen [their] soccer yet," suggesting that the team's unique style could lead to a thrilling match in Germany.
- Alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, defending champions FC Barcelona and Portuguese Champions Lisbon continue to battle it out in the Champions League, with Schelotto's team currently sitting in second place, while Barcelona hold the lead before the final group matches.
- As the stage is set for the Champions League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Benfica Lisbon, Germany and football fans worldwide anticipate a tense and exhilarating encounter between the two talented teams in Frankfurt on Thursday.
Source: www.stern.de
