New attacking reinforcements Lucas Alario and Randal Kolo Muani kept their places in the Eagles side after finding the net in Saturday’s 14-0 victory at SV Nieder-Weisel. Faride Alidou was also named in the starting XI, but Mario Götze, Jesper Lindström and Goncalo Pacienca were not involved in Aschaffenburg.
Eintracht had to survive a spell of early pressure from the hosts but broke the deadlock on 27 minutes, when Ndicka stroked home after Christopher Lenz’s free-kick was turned back into the six-yard area by Kolo Muani. The summer signing went close to doubling the Eagles’ lead five minutes before the break but Aschaffenburg goalkeeper Max Grün was equal to his shot.
One of eight half-time introductions, Ali Akman, almost made it 2-0 when he attempted to lob Grün after running on to Jens Petter Hauge’s pass, but Grün read what the 20-year-old was attempting to do and managed to prevent the ball from nestling in the bottom corner. Second-half substitutes Daichi Kamada and Nacho both went close in the latter stages as Eintracht went in search of a late second, but Ndicka’s strike proved the difference.
“I’m not totally satisfied with the match,” said head coach Oliver Glasner after the final whistle. “We played too slowly and didn’t attack enough. It was an important test for us as our opponents were aggressive and well organised in the way they played. Well done to Aschaffenburg – they made it really tough for us.”
SGE first-half
Ramaj – Ndicka, Tuta, Onguéné – Lenz, Rode, Jakic (Sow 30’), Alidou, Knauff (Hauge 30’) – Alario, Kolo Muani
SGE second half
Grahl – Smolcic, Hasebe, Onguéné (Toure 60’) – Chandler, Wenig, Sow (Hrustic 60’), Loune, Hauge (Ghotra 60’) – Borré (Kamada 75’), Akman (Nacho 75’)
Goals
0-1 Ndicka (27’)
