Eintracht Frankfurt achieved their first home victory in the Europa League season, defeating Rigas FS 1-0. Despite a sluggish performance, Hugo Larsson’s 79th-minute goal secured the win. The team struggled against their opponents but improved in the second half, showing more determination. Key substitutions revitalized Frankfurt’s gameplay, although they had moments of luck, particularly with a late miss from Riga. The match highlighted Frankfurt’s need for better pace and focus, despite earning the crucial three points.
Eintracht Frankfurt has secured a much-anticipated home victory in the Europa League, albeit after a challenging match that showed a lack of fluidity for much of the game. The winning goal came from substitute Hugo Larsson in the 79th minute, resulting in a 1-0 triumph.
On Thursday, Eintracht Frankfurt achieved their first home win of the Europa League season against Rigas FS, finishing the match with a scoreline of 1-0. The win was well-deserved, though the team struggled to break down their opponents, who sat deep and defended resolutely. Sporting director Markus Krösche remarked, “We didn’t play well, but we got the win. Our performance in the first half was particularly sluggish, and we were not playing at our best.”
The starting lineup included four new faces: Igor Matanovic, Mo Dahoud, Aurele Amenda, and Can Uzun. Frankfurt employed a 3-5-2 formation and quickly assumed ball possession, as Riga opted to sit back. However, they found it tough to penetrate the Latvian defense. A surprising opportunity arose for Riga when Adam Markhiyev nearly scored after Tuta’s error in the 15th minute.
Pace Issues in Frankfurt’s Game
At the other end, Omar Marmoush failed to convert a chance created by a lovely pass from Dahoud in the 15th minute. Despite dominating possession, Frankfurt struggled to generate any threatening opportunities. Junior Dina Ebimbe had a few misfires, and Uzun did little to make an impression on the left. Only in the 32nd minute did Matanovic come close, firing a shot just wide of the post, while the rest of the first half was mostly lackluster for the hosts.
Following halftime, coach Dino Toppmöller introduced Larsson for Dahoud. The change sparked immediate danger when Tuta had a header ruled out for offside shortly after the restart (47′). Just six minutes later, Niels Nkounkou’s pass dismantled the Latvian defense, setting up an unmarked Marmoush, who could not capitalize. Nkounkou then had a chance himself, shooting wide a minute later. Frankfurt appeared rejuvenated, showcasing more vigor and intent as they resumed play.
Crucial Saves from Trapp
After nearly an hour, Hugo Ekitiké replaced Uzun, who had a disappointing outing. Frankfurt endured a scare when Nkounkou misplayed the ball, leaving Riga’s Roberts Savalnieks free in front of keeper Kevin Trapp, who made a crucial save (58′). Despite this hiccup, Eintracht started to click into gear, creating better combinations and moving towards goal, yet remained erratic in their finishing.
With fifteen minutes left, Dina Ebimbe and Matanovic made way for Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Ansgar Knauff. In the 79th minute, Frankfurt finally executed a quick and vertical play; Nkounkou found Marmoush, who in turn set up Larsson. The 20-year-old’s shot wasn’t perfectly struck, but it found its way into the far corner, making it 1-0. Just as the Frankfurt fans were celebrating, Markhiyev struck the crossbar from an ensuing attack, highlighting how close Riga came to equalizing. Although a draw would have been unjust, Frankfurt’s determination and contributions from the substitutes ensured they came away with three crucial points.
Frankfurt Starting XI: Trapp – Koch, Amenda, Kristensen, Nkounkou – Dahoud (46. Larsson), Tuta (82. Skhiri) – Uzun (58. Ekitike), Ebimbe (73. Knauff) – Marmoush, Matanovic (73. Bahoya)
Riga Starting XI: Ondoa – Savalnieks, Prenga, Lipuscek, Zelenkovs – Nije, Markhiyev, Panic, Odisharia (82. Kigurs), Ikaunieks – Kouadio (83. Stuglis)
Goal: 1:0 Larsson (79.)
Yellow Cards: Larsson / –
Referee: Lindhout (Netherlands)
Crowd: 58,000 (sold out)