Story of the month: The start of a success story
Eintracht Frankfurt announced just a few days ago that the ‘Eintracht in the Region’ initiative will continue into 2023. Over a year ago, the club wanted its men’s, women’s and legends teams as well as the football school to support the amateur game in the Rhine-Main region, bringing players and fans together and reducing the pressure on the club coffers, which had taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
Face of the month: Jürgen Grabowski
The immense sense of tradition at the heart of Europe rose to the fore in sombre yet touching circumstances on 10 March, as Frankfurt and Eintracht mourned the passing of Jürgen Grabowski at the age of 77.
Speaking on behalf of all Eagles supporters, an emotional club president Peter Fischer said: “Jürgen, you always spoke for Eintracht. It was your team, you defended the lads even after poor performances. Eintracht was your life. We’ll always talk about you, we’ll always have our songs about you. Take care Jürgen, there are a few lads up there waiting to see your dribbling skills.”
Number of the month: 732
Support was also in plentiful supply for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 trip to Real Betis on 9 March. Eintracht’s allocation of 3,000 tickets was snapped up by organised fan groups, who travelled to an away match for the first time since coronavirus restrictions were put in place after the trip to Leverkusen on 7 March 2020 – 732 days earlier.
Game of the month: A step closer to Seville
With the away goals rule no longer in force, Betis salvaged extra time with a 90th minute effort in the second leg. Oliver Glasner’s team were in no mood for a penalty shootout, though, with Martin Hinteregger making it 1-1 (3-2 on aggregate) with the final kick of the game in the 121st minute.
Goal of the month: Anna Aehling
Eintracht’s crucial home game against fellow Champions League hopefuls TSG Hoffenheim couldn’t have gone much better for Eagles defender Anna Aehling, whose spectacular diving header on her debut earned the home side a 3-2 win which drew them level on points with third-placed TSG. Eintracht would go on to finish five points clear of their Matchday 15 opponents.
Quote of the month:
The boys had already gone out. I called them back and said there’s still the draw for the semi-finals. It doesn’t end with Barcelona. It’s important to me that we don’t become awestruck.
Oliver Glasner after the draw for the Europa League quarter-finals
