- Frankfurt secures its initial league triumph over Hoffenheim with a score of 3-1.
Frankfurt scored their initial victory of the season in the Bundesliga, outplaying Hoffenheim at home, ending in a 3-1 scoreline (2-0). The Eagles found the back of the net through forward Hugo Ekitike (24'), midfielder Hugo Larsson (33'), and standout player Omar Marmoush (56'), while Hoffenheim managed to score through Andrej Kramaric (54').
Following their opening loss against Borussia Dortmund, Frankfurt bounced back at their home opener and earned their first points. Conversely, Hoffenheim failed to build on their opening triumph against Holstein Kiel.
"The excitement to play here in front of our fans once again is enormous," commented Eintracht's coach Dino Toppmöller before the match. His rival, Pellegrino Matarazzo, also looked forward to the encounter, describing it as a "thrilling test."
Eintracht took control of the game from the outset, with the absence of twice-capped German international Dahoud who transferred from Brighton & Hove Albion only recently. Hoffenheim focused on defense, but struggled in the opening half after the initial phase.
Thanks to swift counter-attacks, Ekitike scored after being set up by Marmoush. Eintracht maintained their momentum after taking the lead, creating chances, particularly on the left with Marmoush and Niels Nkounkou. Marmoush's long-range effort narrowly missed the target (26'), and Mario Götze couldn't capitalize on a promising opportunity from Nkounkou's cross (31'). The 2-0 lead was imminent, and it eventually came shortly after, as Larsson finished an exquisite combination involving Marmoush and Ekitike.
Hoffenheim had little to offer in the first half. Nearly, Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kevin Trapp inadvertently gifted Houffenheim an equalizer when he hesitated coming out against Pavel Kaderabek, but new signing Arthur Theate cleared the Czech's cross (38').
Kramaric found the net - Frankfurt retaliates
At half-time, Matarazzo reacted to his team's subpar performance, making two substitutions. Mérgim Berisha came in for Marius Bülter in attack, and new signing Robin Hranac replaced the cautioned Tim Drexler. Kramaric's surprising goal was his fourth of the season, following his hat-trick against Kiel.
In response, Frankfurt countered instantly, with Marmoush capping off his performance with the 3-1 goal. Confirming his stay with the Eagles for the current season just hours before the transfer deadline, the Egyptian midfielder received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 80th minute. Hoffenheim's late push eventually dwindled.
Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to capitalize on Frankfurt's defensive struggles after their defeat against Borussia Dortmund. Despite their loss, Frankfurt's standout player Omar Marmoush showed promising form, which Borussia Dortmund's midfielders might need to watch out for.
Regrettably for Hoffenheim, their defense against Borussia Dortmund could be even more testing than their struggle against Frankfurt due to their inability to create chances consistently.
