Conference League - Frankfurt squanders last chance to win group
Eintracht Frankfurt's European specialists missed a great opportunity and prematurely squandered their chance to win their group in the Conference League. The Hessians lost 2:1 (0:0) against PAOK Saloniki and can no longer overtake the Greeks on the final matchday.
Tomasz Kedziora (55th minute) and Andrija Zivokovic (73rd minute) scored for the visitors in front of 58,000 spectators. Omar Marmoush's equalizer (58') was not enough for Frankfurt. Substitute Kristijan Jakic was shown a yellow card in stoppage time (90.+4).
At least it remained calm in the stands this time. Five days after the serious riots between fans and police, the supporters also refrained from targeted provocations. Before kick-off, they briefly fogged their own curve, lit a few Bengal fires and waved numerous flags in the club colors. There were no provocative banners to be seen. Instead, a banner with the inscription "Freie Kurve Frankfurt" (Free Frankfurt Curve) was prominently displayed between the lower and upper tiers.
Eintracht must play an extra round
Frankfurt's final game in Aberdeen on December 14 is therefore more or less worthless. Both teams will spend the winter in Europe. As group winners, Thessaloniki will advance directly to the round of 16, while Eintracht will have to play an extra round.
There were plenty of goalmouth scrambles on the pitch - initially with advantages for the energetic Eintracht. The strong Fares Chaibi got his first shot on target after ten minutes, but was denied by Salonikis Dominik Kotarski. Striker Marmoush (32') also despaired at the brilliant reaction of the Croatian goalkeeper.
PAOK were particularly dangerous from set-pieces. After a pass to Konstantinos Koulierakis (23'), the crossbar saved for the already beaten Kevin Trapp. Shortly afterwards, the international saved a top-class chance from Salonikis playmaker Thomas Murg (29).
Emergency doctor called in the middle of the Frankfurt fan block
Following this chance, the Eintracht fans went quiet. This time, however, the silence had a different reason than during the riots against Stuttgart. An emergency doctor was called out in the middle of the Frankfurt fan block. The situation was covered with a flag for several minutes before the person was carried out of the stadium on a stretcher by several paramedics. Eintracht announced at the break that the person was responsive.
The goals followed after the changeover. The visitors' lead was the result of a slapstick situation following a corner: In the Eintracht penalty area, no Frankfurt player cleared the ball directly in front of Trapp until Kedziora shot in freely. The goal they conceded acted as a wake-up call for Eintracht. Marmoush's equalizer followed just three minutes later after a fine combination via Mario Götze and Chaibi. Shortly afterwards, Hugo Larsson even made it 2:1, but the whistle was blown for offside. That took its revenge. When Trapp made a mistake, Zivkovic was on hand to finish for Saloniki. In the 85th minute, Marmoush missed a great chance to equalize again.
Lesen Sie auch:
- Despite the loss, Frankfurt still represents Hesse in the Conference League, a competition held internationally.
- Frankfurt's goalkeeper, Kevin Trapp, showcased his skills numerous times, including denying a top-class chance from PAOK's playmaker.
- Omar Marmoush, a Frankfurt player, managed to score an equalizer for his team even after their misfortune.
- The Conference League group stage's outcome means Frankfurt will have to play an extra round before advancing to the round of 16, unlike PAOK Saloniki, who secured first place.
- Frankfurt's coach and German soccer expert might be disappointed with the squad's inability to win their group, as Europe is rich with soccer talent and adventure.
- Greece's PAOK Saloniki, victorious in their group, will gear up for the Conference League's round of 16, eager to showcase their skills against another European club.
- Frankfurt's match against PAOK Saloniki in Frankfurt on the Main was not without controversy, as police stepped in to maintain order following a riot between supporters and fans five days prior.
- Observing the international soccer scene, notable stars like Marmoush, Trapp, and Jakic from Frankfurt, as well as Koulierakis and Murg from Saloniki, showcase the high level of talent and passion for the game in Europe.
Source: www.stern.de
