Former Eintracht favourite André Silva had a header cleared off the line, while Mohamed Simakan and Konrad Laimer were both denied by the woodwork as the hosts dominated the first period. Second-half substitute Jens Petter Hauge had a chance to snatch a win for the Eagles after half-time but was thwarted by Leipzig defender Willi Orban.
Rode returns
With Djibril Sow suspended, Eintracht captain Sebastian Rode was handed his first start since February in the only change from Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg against Real Betis. Rode had been struggling with an abdominal injury but after making a late cameo against the La Liga side, the midfielder was deemed fit to start on Sunday afternoon.
Eintracht ride their luck
Christopher Nkunku has been in sparkling form for Leipzig this season and the Frenchman very nearly gave the hosts the lead inside ten minutes, sending a looping shot onto the roof of the net via a slight deflection. The Eagles looked lively on the break but when Ansgar Knauff sent Jesper Lindström racing in on goal, the Dane opted to pass rather than shoot and Leipzig were able to clear.
The hosts continued to create the better chances, though, with Martin Hinteregger clearing Silva’s header off the line before Simakan’s fierce strike was kept out by Kevin Trapp – with a little help from the post. The Eagles had the woodwork to thank again five minutes before half-time when Laimer’s long-range effort rattled the crossbar, before Nkunku had a goal ruled out for offside.
Hauge goes close
Dani Olmo tested Trapp’s reflexes within seconds of the restart and Nkunku failed to make the most of Benjamin Henrichs’ driven cross as Leipzig continued to put Eintracht under severe pressure. Trapp then produced a magnificent one-handed save to deny Laimer after the Austrian had raced onto Nkunku’s pass.
Eintracht’s best opportunity of the contest came with 17 minutes remaining, when Hauge was released by Rafael Borré. The Norwegian managed to lift the ball over the onrushing Peter Gulacsi, but Orban was on hand to make the clearance. Nkunku almost capitalised on a Tuta error moments later, but Trapp produced another smart save to deny the France international and earn the Eagles a share of the spoils.
Summary: Eagles’ hard work pays off
After Thursday’s escapades in the Europa League, this has to go down as a very good point for the Eagles. Oliver Glasner’s side rode their luck at times – particularly in the first half – but they worked incredibly hard in the second to keep the hosts at bay and could even have snatched all three points through Hauge late on.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Tuta, Hinteregger, Ndicka – Knauff (Lenz 80’), Jakic, Rode (Hrustic 46’), Kostic – Lindström (Hauge 66’), Kamada (Ilsanker 89’) – Borré (Lammers 89’)
