Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 Energie Cottbus
The hosts kept their title push alive thanks to a much improved second half performance, having been thoroughly outplayed and outfought in the first half.
Armin Veh's men began at a leisurely pace and were immediately put under pressure by Cottbus, who set up camp in the Frankfurt half. They won the vast majority of tackles and were sharper in every position, although they could not convert their dominance into goalscoring chances. Aside from one swift counter attack on the half hour mark that petered out, the home side showed little of the form that has elevated them to their lofty league position. Cottbus' best chance came in the closing stages of the half, but Uwe Möhrle's close range effort was cleared off the line.
Hoffer grabs the winner
Frankfurt were much improved after the break and had regained the composure and energy hitherto lacking from their game. They almost broke through right away, but Anderson's header from a free kick bounced just too high for Erwin Hoffer to nod home. Nonetheless they kept attacking and Hoffer netted the matchwinner after an excellent run and cross down the right by Sebastian Rode.
Cottbus had Daniel Adlung sent off for a second yellow card and with a man less, they set about damage limitation, and succeeded in containing Frankfurt until the final whistle. The hosts move up to second in the standings, just a point behind leaders Fürth and ahead of SC Paderbron on goal difference. Cottbus meanwhile are safely in mid-table, seven points clear of the drop zone.
