Story of the month: A triumph for the history books
By lifting their first European trophy in 42 years, Eintracht broke new boundaries in both a sporting sense and in terms of international prestige. The road to glory in Seville was paved by a passionate, electrifying set of players, a meticulous coaching team and – last but not least – incredible support from the fans.
Fifty thousand Frankfurt supporters watched the final against Rangers on a big screen at Deutsche Bank Park, while 140,000 turned the city into a party zone the following day during the trophy parade, which took the Eintracht squad from the airport to the Römer building in the centre.
Face of the month: Oliver Glasner
After being appointed Eintracht coach in the summer of 2021, the modest Austrian enjoyed the biggest success of his career so far in his first season at the club. The Eagles only finished 11th in the Bundesliga but qualified for the Champions League for the first time thanks to their Europa League triumph.
A football-obsessed tactician, a witty communicator, a passionate motivator and a party lover all rolled into one, Glasner proved to be every bit as versatile as his team.
Number of the month: 100,000
Eintracht were not only setting new landmarks on the pitch. Off it, they exceeded the 100,000 member-mark for the first time – a number that has seen a five-figure increase in the intervening months. Only four other teams in the top two tiers of German football currently boast more members than the Eagles.
Game of the month: The Europa League final
The eyes of the football world were trained on Seville on 19 May, when the Eagles took on Rangers in the Europa League final at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Joe Aribo gave the Glasgow outfit the lead, but Rafael Borré restored parity to send the game to extra time. Kevin Trapp proved the hero with a magnificent save in the closing stages of the additional 30 minutes, before a fine stop from Aaron Ramsey’s penalty in the shootout allowed Borré to convert the decisive spot-kick. The rest, as they say, is history.
Goal of the month: Rafael Borré
A brief exchange of glances with the Rangers goalkeeper, a six-step run-up and a firm, unstoppable shot into the top left corner – shortly followed by unbridled joy. Borré showed nerves of steel to put the seal on Eintracht’s historic 2021/22 Europa League campaign.
Quote of the month:
I’m going to celebrate until Saturday, then go on holiday on Sunday.
Oliver Glasner on the night of Eintracht’s Europa League triumph
