Narrow defeat in Valencia

Knauff ruled out

Eintracht fielded a strong side for their final friendly of pre-season, with Omar Marmoush, Ellyes Skhiri, Mario Götze and in-form Igor Matanovic all named in the starting XI. Ansgar Knauff, however, was not involved after falling ill before the Eagles departed for Spain.

Fast start

Dino Toppmöller’s side fell behind with just four minutes on the clock, Rafa Mir beating Kevin Trapp following a swift counterattack by the home side. Eintracht’s response was just as rapid, however, as Marmoush converted from the penalty spot after Matanovic had been brought down inside the area.

The opportunities continued to flow, and Valencia restored their advantage when Hugo Duro steered a firm header past Trapp less than ten minutes after Marmoush’s equaliser. Pepelu missed the chance to add a third for the hosts when he blazed a penalty high over Trapp’s crossbar on the half-hour mark, before Matanovic – brimming with confidence after scoring four goals in his past two outings – fired wide from a good position. Marmoush then had a free-kick saved by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as Valencia went into half-time with a slender lead.

Positives despite defeat

The Eagles made a double change at the break, with Hugo Ekitiké and Niels Nkounkou entering the fray in place of Farès Chaibi and Nathaniel Brown. Ekitiké, who finished the 2023/24 campaign in fine form after joining Eintracht on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain in April, almost made an instant impact but failed to steer his effort on target after working his way into a shooting position.

Matanovic continued to trouble the Valencia defence too, heading narrowly past the post shortly after the hour mark. The Eagles were eventually rewarded for their persistence when Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe slammed home Skhiri’s lay-off to restore parity once more, but Alberto Mari struck with two minutes remaining to earn his team the win and the Trofeu Taronja – or Orange Trophy.

“We had good opportunities and actually controlled the game,” said Rasmus Kristensen. “Only their long balls caused us problems – we obviously have to improve in that regard. We were good with the ball, created nice chances and were in control. I’m feeling positive despite the result, but we obviously want to win every game. That includes our friendlies – this was our dress rehearsal.”