12.02.2011
News-Archive

Another Defeat

The new year has been tough for Eintracht Frankfurt so far with only one point and a series of unfortunate events in the team. Of course there is a positive side to the cancelled Caio transfer, but more injuries, Amanatidis’ suspension and zero goals in four games have changed the situation; now Eintracht has to watch the teams in the lower regions of the table carefully.

Today’s important game against second placed Bayer Leverkusen in front of a 41,000 crowd started with the same line up that reached a goalless draw away to Freiburg. Goalkeeper Nikolov organized the back four with central defenders Russ and Franz, Tzavellas started on the left, Jung on the right. With Meier and Schwegler in center midfield, Ochs and Koehler on the wings, Caio started offensive behind forward Gekas.

Leverkusen had more possession within the first minutes and scored the opening goal in the 9th minute. After a freekick the ball reached Simon Rolfes, who netted from close range. The Eagles had a hard time creating chances, and so it was Leverkusen who had the next good scoring opportunity in minute 18, when Schwaab shot from eight meters but missed the goal.

Ochs received a yellow card for a tackle (18’). After 22 minutes Eintracht created a first good chance when Gekas rushed into the box and tried a pass to Koehler, but the pass was blocked. With two freekicks Eintracht Frankfurt improved their game and created more chances. Caio’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by Adler (26’). Shortly after that Tzavellas received his seventh yellow card.

In the 32nd minute, just when Eintracht seemed to be more competitive, Augusto scored with a shot from 16 metres after a pass from Vidal and extended Leverkusen’s lead to 2-0. After a freekick and a Hyypiä header on the post Leverkusen almost scored a third goal. The first half then was over and Bayer Leverkusen deserved the lead.

Coach Skibbe reacted and brought on Altintop and Fenin for Caio and Tzavellas. Eintracht started the second half with two attacks, and the crowd went on with their strong support. In minute 52 Altintop and Gekas came close to a goal but missed. Franz received a yellow card (57’). On the other side Nikolov had a fine save after a Rolfes header (58’). Three minutes later Meier shot from 20 meters but missed. The first 20 minutes of the second half saw a better and more offensive game on both sides, especially the Eagles came more often to Adler’s goal.

In the 80th minute Adler’s save from a Meier header went against the cross bar. A minute later on the other side Nikolov collected a dangerous cross. Eintracht’s offensive game was often interrupted by debatable decisions of the referee. The defeat was final when Balitsch scored to make it 3-0 after a fine build up with Kiessling (84th minute).

Eintracht remains without goal and win in 2011. Five games in a row without scoring are a negative club record. Although their game improved in the second half they did not manage to prevent the defeat against a strong Bayer Leverkusen, who defended their 2nd place in the table.

On Friday Eintracht has the next chance to collect points in the game away to 1. FC Nuernberg (20.30 CET).