Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Heidenheim 3-0 in a dominant display, with goals from Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, Robin Koch, and Hugo Ekitiké, solidifying their position in the race for UEFA Champions League football next season.
Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 Heidenheim
Goals: 1-0 Bahoya 10’ (assist: Chaïbi), 2-0 Koch 42’ (assist: Ekitiké), 3-0 Ekitiké 71’ (assist: Brown)
Frankfurt welcomed Heidenheim to the Deutsche Bank Park with a top four place still under their control. Head coach Dino Toppmöller made four changes to his side, bringing in Rasmus Kristensen, Oscar Höjlund, Can Uzun, and Farès Chaïbi, while Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt kept faith with the same XI that narrowly lost to champions Leverkusen on Matchday 28. In contrast to their opponents, Heidenheim aimed to climb out of the relegation play-off spot.
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya celebrates after opening the scoring for Frankfurt in the 10th minute. – IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus
The home side started brightly, with Bahoya nearly setting up a goal in the opening minutes. Frankfurt’s early pressure paid off just minutes later, however, when Bahoya finished off a slick team move, slotting home from close range after good work from Hugo Ekitiké and Chaïbi in the 10th minute. Heidenheim had a chance to equalise shortly after, but Tim Siersleben’s header was well saved by Kauã Santos. Just before half-time, Robin Koch doubled Frankfurt’s lead with a striker’s finish, latching onto Ekitiké’s lay-off.
Koch celebrates after scoring Frankfurt’s second of the afternoon just before half-time. – IMAGO/Patrick Scheiber
Heidenheim came out fighting in the second half, with substitute Sirlord Conteh making an immediate impact. The visitors created several chances, with Marvin Pieringer squandering a golden opportunity to halve the deficit. However, Frankfurt’s defence held firm, and their clinical attack soon put the game beyond doubt. In the 71st minute, Ekitiké capped off a fantastic team move, finishing from close range after excellent work from Mario Götze, Chaïbi, and Nathaniel Brown. The goal was a testament to Frankfurt’s fluid attacking play and effectively sealed the three points for the home side.
Ekitiké was the very image of composure as he sealed the three points for Frankfurt midway through the second half. – IMAGO/Heiko Becker
Ekitiké put in a stellar performance, contributing to all three goals and causing problems for the Heidenheim defence throughout the match. The French forward assisted Koch’s goal, scored one himself, and was involved in the build-up to Bahoya’s opener. Ekitiké’s movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing were instrumental in Frankfurt’s dominant display.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 3.46 – Heidenheim 1.1
Fastest player: Sirlord Calvin Conteh (Heidenheim), 35.57 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), 98 percent
Most pressed player: Adrian Beck (Heidenheim), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), +3.53
Fantasy Heroes: Robin Koch (Frankfurt, 306 Points), Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt, 281 Points), Arthur Theate (Frankfurt, 277 Points)
