There were two changes to the team from last Sunday’s defeat by Köln. Kristijan Jakic replaced Makoto Hasebe in the centre of defence, while Ansgar Knauff was preferred to Aurélio Buta on the right.
Eintracht in control
The Eagles took the initiative from the start at a sold-out Deutsche Bank Park and led after just seven minutes. Philipp Max whipped a deep, swerving free-kick towards Jakic at the far post, and his ball back across goal bounced off Bremen captain Marco Friedl and into the net. Oliver Glasner’s men had the game under control from that point, and managed to keep the visitors’ dangerous strike duo of Niclas Fullkrüg and Marvin Ducksch at bay.
The only criticism of Eintracht in the first half is that they failed to take a number of good chances to extend their lead. Knauff headed straight at Jiri Pavlenka from Max’s cross, and then in stoppage time, Jesper Lindström volleyed just over after fine interplay between him and Max.
Rock-solid
The second half began like the first, with Frankfurt scoring after seven minutes. Again Max was involved, crossing for Randal Kolo Muani, whose initial header was brilliantly saved by Pavlenka. However, Knauff reacted well to the rebound and managed to guide the ball back to Kolo Muani, who simply had to tap it over the line for his 10th Bundesliga goal of the season.
There was not much action in either penalty area after that. Bremen had the majority of the possession in the latter stages, but still couldn’t muster a single attempt on target. It was Eintracht who looked more likely to score another, with Djibril Sow’s long-range drive being beaten away by Pavlenka, who then made a brilliant double save to deny Sow and Lindström. Fullkrüg did manage to put the ball in the net for the visitors in stoppage time, but it was ruled out for offside – summing up a frustrating evening for him and his team.
Summary: Comfortable win
With the huge Champions League round of 16 first leg against Napoli coming up this week, Glasner will be glad that side didn’t have to hit top gear here. And after last weekend’s 3-0 defeat, he’ll be particularly pleased with the defensive display, as Kevin Trapp was a virtual spectator in the team’s fourth consecutive home league win.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Tuta, Jakic, Ndicka – Knauff, Kamada, Sow, Max (Lenz 73’) – Lindström (Alidou 87’), Götze (Alario 87’) – Kolo Muani (Borré 68’)
Goals
1-0 Friedl o.g. (8’)
2-0 Kolo Muani (52’)