Conference League - Tough European draw: Eintracht against Saint-Gilloise
In the battle for a place in the last 16 of the Conference League, Eintracht Frankfurt faces an attractive but difficult task.
The Bundesliga club will face Belgian top team Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the play-off matches on February 15 and 22 next year. This was the result of the draw in Nyon.
"Saint-Gilloise are a strong opponent who have made a name for themselves on the international stage in recent years," said Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller about their rivals. At the same time, the 43-year-old confirmed: "We absolutely want to reach the round of 16."
Toppmöller: Approach the task with respect
Sporting director Markus Krösche also spoke of a challenging draw. "They've done a very good job in recent years and produced strong players. We have to reach our limit in both games in order to progress," said Krösche. Should they succeed, the Hessians will continue in the round of 16 on March 7 and 14. The final will take place on May 29 in Athens.
The club from Hesse, who finished second in their group and missed out on a direct place in the last 16, will have to play the first leg at the Jupiler Pro League leaders and enjoy home court a week later in the second leg. "We will approach the task with respect," promised Toppmöller.
Leaders of the Belgian league
Caution is advised, as the Belgians eliminated 1. FC Union Berlin in the round of 16 of the Europa League in the previous season. The European journey of German coach Alexander Blessin's team, whose ranks also include two German professionals in Dennis Eckert Ayensa (formerly of FC Ingolstadt) and Frankfurt-born Henok Teklab, only ended in the quarter-finals against Bayer Leverkusen.
The club from near Brussels has dominated the Belgian championship so far this season and appears to be on course for its first title in 89 years. There have only been two defeats so far this season, and the club is already eight points clear of the chasing pack at RSC Anderlecht.
Things have not gone quite so smoothly for Eintracht's opponents in the Europa League, where Saint-Gilloise only finished third in Group E behind Liverpool FC and FC Toulouse. However, they did manage a 2:1 win against Jürgen Klopp's English league leaders on the final matchday.
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Source: www.stern.de
