Eintracht Frankfurt dominated RB Leipzig in a clash that had huge implications for the UEFA Champions League places, winning 4-0 with Ansgar Knauff scoring twice.
Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0 RB Leipzig
Goals: 1-0 Knauff 21′ (assist: Ekitiké), 2-0 Knauff 53′, 3-0 Ekitiké 67′ (assist: Bahoya), 4-0 Koch 71 (assist: Brown)
Red card: Bitshiabu 50′
In a high-stakes encounter at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt and Leipzig locked horns in a battle for Champions League qualification. The Eagles entered the match in third place, just three points ahead of their fourth-placed opponents and knowing that a win would leave them in an advantageous position.
Knauff scored more goals in this game than in the entire rest of the season. – KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
The match began with both teams showing intent, but it was Frankfurt who drew first blood. In the 21st minute, Hugo Ekitiké orchestrated a swift counter-attack, threading a precise pass to Knauff.
The young German made no mistake, slotting home with composure to give the hosts the lead. Frankfurt continued to press, with Tuta coming close with a header from a corner that forced a save from the Leipzig goalkeeper.
The visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Benjamin Šeško’s long-range effort their only notable attempt. The Eagles took their 1-0 advantage into the break, having shown more attacking threat despite Leipzig’s greater possession.
Bitshiabu’s red card opened the floodgates. – KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
The second half began with Leipzig introducing Loïs Openda, hoping to turn the tide. However, the game took a decisive turn in the 50th minute when Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu received a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity to Knauff.
This setback was compounded just three minutes later when Knauff struck again, volleying home to double Frankfurt’s lead after Arthur Theate’s thunderous free-kick was only parried.
With the numerical advantage, Frankfurt began to dominate proceedings. In the 67th minute, Ekitiké added his name to the scoresheet, heading home a precise cross from Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. The rout was completed in the 71st minute when Robin Koch rose highest to nod in a corner, sealing an emphatic 4-0 victory for the home side.
Ekitiké scored his 15th Bundesliga goal of the season to help Eintracht on their way to victory. – XX / DFL/Getty Images/Lukas Schulze
Knauff delivered a stellar performance that epitomised Frankfurt’s dominance. The young winger was a constant threat, scoring twice and causing havoc in Leipzig’s defence.
His first goal showcased his clinical finishing, while his second demonstrated his predatory instincts. Knauff’s movement, pace, and link-up play with Ekitiké were instrumental in Frankfurt’s attacking fluidity and he also won the free-kick that saw Bitshiabu sent off.
The Eagles are flying high at the moment. – XX / DFL/Getty Images/Lukas Schulze
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 2.19 – Leipzig 0.41
Fastest player: Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig), 34.7 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 15.93 per cent
Most pressed player: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), +4.25
Fantasy Heroes: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt, 398 points), Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt, 265 points), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt, 264 points)
