Eintracht Frankfurt suffered a disheartening 0:3 loss to Leipzig, leading to their exit from the DFB-Pokal. Goals from Benjamin Sesko and a brace from Loïs Openda highlighted Frankfurt’s struggles, particularly in defense and offense. Despite a late push with Oscar Höjlund’s return from injury, the team failed to capitalize on opportunities. With upcoming matches against Augsburg, Lyon, and a rematch with Leipzig, Frankfurt must regroup and leverage their experienced players to bounce back from this setback.
Eintracht Frankfurt Faces Tough Loss in Leipzig
Eintracht Frankfurt delivered one of its most disappointing performances of the season in a 0:3 defeat against Leipzig on Wednesday night, resulting in their elimination from the DFB-Pokal. Goals by Benjamin Sesko in the 31st minute and Loïs Openda, who scored twice (50th and 58th minutes), sealed Frankfurt’s fate.
Struggles Against a Vulnerable Opponent
There’s a common saying among Eintracht fans: when an opponent is down, Frankfurt has a knack for lifting them back up. Unfortunately, this adage rang true once again as they faced a Leipzig side that was in a vulnerable position. The home team quickly took control of the game, snuffing out any early hopes for Frankfurt. Warning signs were evident from the onset, with Sesko narrowly missing a goal in the 11th minute, and Kevin Trapp making a crucial save against Willi Orban shortly after. A Leipzig goal was even disallowed for offside in the 18th minute.
The moment of passivity reached its peak around the 30-minute mark when Antonio Nusa and Sesko exploited gaps in Frankfurt’s defense, leading to the first goal. Board member Markus Krösche was quick to pinpoint the team’s deficiencies, stating, “From the first minute, we were careless, had simple ball losses, and created hardly any chances.” The team consistently fell behind in one-on-one battles, lacked movement, and failed to execute sharp plays.
Offensive Struggles and Tactical Missteps
Krösche’s analysis highlighted another pressing issue: Frankfurt’s offensive output was nearly nonexistent. Initially overwhelmed by Leipzig’s dynamic play, they struggled to regain control. After Leipzig adopted a more defensive 5-3-2 formation, Frankfurt was left with few creative ideas. Players like Ellyes Skhiri had an off night, while Omar Marmoush made multiple errors, including an ineffective corner. Mario Götze’s tendency to drift too far to the right limited his impact on the game.
Before conceding the first goal, Frankfurt did manage to press forward, but a moment of brilliance from the Leipzig goalkeeper thwarted their efforts. The team’s counter-pressing lacked coordination compared to Leipzig’s. It wasn’t until the closing minutes that Frankfurt finally registered a serious shot on goal, as Hugo Ekitiké began to create some opportunities—far too late to alter the outcome.
Coach Dino Toppmöller has generally managed to make effective substitutions throughout the season, but he struggled to compensate for the absence of Arthur Theate on this occasion. Rasmus Kristensen battled on the left and struggled to keep up, while Nnamdi Collins found himself frequently outmaneuvered on the right side, especially as Nusa delivered three assists for Leipzig. Despite Toppmöller’s attempts to change the game with substitutions at halftime and shortly after, the team’s performance remained lackluster.
A Silver Lining in Höjlund’s Return
Oscar Höjlund, returning from a long injury layoff, brought a glimpse of hope when he came on in the 66th minute. Although the match was already decided, the 19-year-old displayed determination and enthusiasm, comforting his teammates post-match. His presence on the field highlighted the potential for growth within the squad.
As the team faces a critical juncture, they must demonstrate resilience following this setback. The positive takeaway is that after their previous defeat in mid-October, they went on to remain unbeaten in nine consecutive matches.
Looking Forward: Opportunities for Redemption
Krösche characterized the Leipzig performance as a “system failure by everyone,” while Toppmöller found it “hard to accept.” Nevertheless, the traveling fans showed their support, acknowledging the team’s efforts this season. Their mixed responses reflect a balance between harsh criticism and understanding for the league’s youngest squad.
Moving forward, Frankfurt has ample chances to bounce back, with three matches lined up in just eight days: against Augsburg, in Lyon, and a rematch with Leipzig. The team must rediscover their core strengths and allow experienced players to guide their younger counterparts if they hope to turn their season around.