Story of the month: No restrictions
The coronavirus pandemic not only severely impacted public life and the everyday lives of countless people, but also left its mark on football. The extent to which supporters had been longing for a return to normality was laid bare on 2 April – Matchday 28 of the 2021/22 campaign – when the lifting of restrictions allowed Eintracht supporters to fill Deutsche Bank Park for the first time that season, bringing that famous atmosphere back to the city forest.
Face of the month: Filip Kostic
The Serbian winger cemented his name in Eintracht folklore in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final at Barcelona. Kostic scored two goals, set up another and fought tirelessly until the final whistle was blown in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time, described it as the best game of his career. He was the standout performer on that magical night and thoroughly deserved his ovation from the travelling Frankfurt fans.
Number of the month: 30,000
To say the Eagles faithful travelled in numbers is an understatement, with over 30,000 Frankfurt supporters playing just as big a role in the victory as the Eintracht players on the Camp Nou pitch. Hours before kick-off, the Spanish city was taken over by tens of thousands of white-clad Eagles fans. Thus, the ‘Bestia Blanca’ – the ‘white beast’ – was born.
Game of the month: Quarter-final second leg at Camp Nou
When it comes to selecting the best game of April 2022, there can only be one winner: that 3-2 Europa League victory in Barcelona. Kostic coolly converted an early penalty before Rafael Borré powered a long-range strike just under the crossbar to make it 2-0. Kostic added his second of the game, while Kevin Trapp made several magnificent saves to keep Eintracht fans’ dreams of a famous victory alive. The hosts scored twice in injury time to ensure a nail-biting end to a dramatic evening, but SGE held on to book a semi-final spot.
Goal of the month: Ansgar Knauff
The Eagles had already laid the foundations for their triumph in Barcelona in the first leg a week earlier. Ansgar Knauff, who was later named the best young player of the 2021/22 Europa League campaign, set Eintracht on their way shortly after the break with a right-footed effort into the top right-hand corner from the edge of the box – a goal that gave the Eagles momentum, courage and belief that they could win the tie.
Quote of the month:
“I came out to warm up and thought I was in Frankfurt.”
Kevin Trapp after the win at Camp Nou
