Eintracht started with the same line-up Armin Veh had put on last week in Düsseldorf in a 4-2-3-1 formation. FSV had a promising start after the winter break collecting four points in two games (as did Eintracht).
Matmour On Fire
The opening 15 minutes were even and rather uneventful, FSV had a good chance to score the lead when Micanski could not get the ball past Nikolov who did well to parry the attempt in a one on one. Sebastian Rode then hit a far range shot which crashed onto the cross bar, the following attacking move by FSV was blocked by Jung, Hoffer collected the ball and had a swift run into the box, his sharp pass found Matmour in the center who hit home – 1-0 (14’)!
It took another quarter of an hour until the match picked up speed, predominantly due to Eintracht’s attacking forces. Benny Köhler set up Hoffer who had a go from just inside the box, FSV keeper Klandt saved his effort but could not hold on to the ball. His block was followed up by Matmour who was quick to convert from close range (33’). Eintracht had the chance to add to the lead when a Rode shot was saved by Klandt, on the other side Yun was free on goal but mishit the ball from close range after Micanski had set him up.
2nd Half Treat
Around 15 minutes into the second half things got going again and then the 40,700 were in for a real treat. Lehmann - who had his best performance for the Eagles so far – and Hoffer played a one two and Lehmann’s cross finally found Meier who volleyed in (61’) – his 11th goal of the season made him second best scorer of Bundesliga 2. But there was more to come: Jung sent Matmour down the flank and the Algerian found Sonny Kittel with a precise pass – the youngster scored his first goal as a professional football player (67’), especially rewarding as he was in his first appearance since coming back from a long term injury.
After a little confusion in Eintracht’s defense FSV took advantage and scored their only goal when Micanski converted an Amri pass (68’). But the response of the Eagles came immediately, this time Hoffer who was involved in the build-up of three goals netted himself after going past FSV’s Gledson and Klandt (70’). Then Matmour completed his hat-trick, the ball got to him via Rode and Jung (80’).
Top Of The League
The fans were celebrating the runaway win which leaves the Eagles in the first spot of the standings even after Sunday’s matches (1860 beat Düsseldorf and Fürth drew away to Ingolstadt as did Paderborn against Dresden). It was the tenth time this season that Eintracht scored 3 or more goals, they have netted 50 altogether which is also the most in Bundesliga 2.
Next weekend the away match against another competitor is coming up – SC Paderborn have surprised by maintaining a solid season performance. They suffered only three defeats and conceded just 24 goals. The match will be played on Sunday the 26th of February at 13.30h CET.
