The Eagles put in a passionate display against Leipzig and took the lead through Fernandes' 26th-minute strike, but it was cancelled out by Emil Forsberg' 54th-minute penalty.
Hütter goes for two up front
Head coach Adi Hütter made two changes to his starting line-up following Thursday's UEFA Europa League encounter against Marseille, with Fernandes and Luka Jovic coming into the side in place of Jetro Willems (suspended) and Lucas Torró (muscular). Jovic joined Sébastien Haller in attack, while Mijat Gacinovic was employed just behind them in the playmaker's role.
Fernandes breaks the deadlock
Eintracht took the lead while Leipzig defender Willi Orban was receiving treatment for a knock, Fernandes prodding the rebound past Peter Gulácsi after Haller's header had been saved. It was the midfielder's first goal for the club and the Eagles almost doubled their advantage moments later, only for Gulácsi to deny Jovic (28') and then Fernandes' low drive on the half-hour mark.
No reward for late pressure
Leipzig equalised against the run of play early in the second half when Forsberg coolly converted a penalty after Filip Kostic handled Konrad Laimer's cross in the box. The visitors subsequently grew into the game, the "stress football" anticipated by Hütter gradually taking hold as Forsberg pulled the strings in midfield. Timo Werner had a chance to put Leipzig in front but dragged his shot wide from ten yards in the 71st minute.
Spurred on by the vocal home crowd, Eintracht wrestled control of the game once more in the closing stages and had several presentable opportunities, but Danny da Costa fired wide (76'), Kostic had a goal ruled out for offside (78') and Ante Rebic - making his first Bundesliga appearance of the season - saw his shot saved by Gulácsi (86').
Summary: Eintracht dominant
Eintracht were deservedly ahead by the break and could have had more but for a number of good saves by Gulácsi. Leipzig improved after levelling the score and subsequently managed to keep Hütter's charges at bay. Overall it was a good performance from the Eagles, who dominated the majority of the game and could have earned more than just a point with a little bit more luck.
SGE line-up:
Trapp - Abraham, Hasebe, Ndicka - de Guzman (Souza 73'), Fernandes - Da Costa, Kostic – Gacinovic – Jovic (Rebic 69'), Haller.
Goals:
1-0 Fernandes (26')
1-1 Forsberg (pen. 54')
