Before "Im Herzen von Europa" rang out through the stadium's PA system ahead of kick-off, representatives of Eintracht, the Reds and PwC took to the Nippon-Forum podium to share their thoughts on digitalisation, technology and innovation, as well as the present and future of professional football in Japan and Germany. There was a heavy Eagles presence outside the ground, too, with merchandise stands dotted around the forecourt and the Europa League trophy on display. Supporters also got to meet well-known local figures in Mitorizu and Ryohei Suzuki, while Eintracht skipper Sebastian Rode patiently handed out autographs for fans.
With several first-team regulars away at the World Cup – including late call-up Randal Kolo Muani – it was a makeshift line-up that took to the field at the Saitama Stadium 2002. Almamy Touré made his first start since suffering an injury in August, while youngsters Harpreet Ghotra, Derek Boakye-Osei, Marcel Wenig and Mehdi Loune were all handed starts.
Urawa on top
The hosts made a bright start in front of a noisy crowd of just over 24,000 at the Saitama Stadium 2002 and hit the post in the 16th minute through Kazuaki Matawari, while at the other end, Lucas Alario fired just wide from distance. Urawa’s early pressure paid off moments later, Kasper Junker hitting the opening goal. Kaito Yasui then had a shot turned behind by Diant Ramaj, before Junker doubled Urawa’s lead after Frankfurt had conceded possession in their own half. There was little action of note after that as the home side took a deserved lead into the break.
Goals at both ends
Oliver Glasner fielded an almost completely new team for the second half, with only Faride Alidou and Timothy Chandler – who later came off – staying on. And one of the half-time substitutes, 16-year-old Anas Alaoui, got Eintracht back into the contest less than two minutes after the restart, volleying in after a corner was cleared. Urawa soon restored their two-goal advantage, though, with Alexander Scholz slotting home.
The Eagles had the better opportunities for the remainder of the half but Nacho Ferri, Junior Dina Ebimbe and Junior Awusi were all denied by veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa. In fact, it was the hosts who scored the next goal through Yusuke Matsuo’s low shot. Eintracht did get another goal to show for their efforts courtesy of Nacho’s looping header, but it was too late for a comeback. There were causes for celebration, though, with local hero Makoto Hasebe, Christopher Lenz and Aurelio Buta – making his first appearance in an Eintracht shirt – all returning after injuries.
First half
Ramaj - Toure, Onguéné, Boakye-Osei – Chandler, Ghotra, Wenig, Pellegrini - Loune, Alario, Alidou.
Second half
Grahl - Baum, Tuta, Gebuhr - Chandler (65. Buta), Dina Ebimbe, Fenyö (75. Hasebe), Alidou (65. Lenz) - Anas Alaoui Ferri Julià, Awusi Boddien.
Goals
1-0 Junker (19')
2-0 Junker (27')
2-1 Alaoui (47')
3-1 Scholz (50')
4-1 Matsuo (78')
4-2 Nacho (81')
