3-1 defeat to Bayer 04 | OneFootball

Eintracht showed spirit after trailing 2-0 at half-time and fought back through captain Robin Koch, but with a man down they conceded a third goal at the end.

Three changes Interim coach Dennis Schmitt made three changes to his starting XI for the visit of Leverkusen. Rasmus Kristensen returned at right-back in place of Aurélio Buta, and Ritsu Doan and Arnaud Kalimuendo were recalled in attack in place of Oscar Højlund and Ansgar Knauff (both on the bench). Nnamdi Collins was absent from the squad because of a minor knee complaint.Behind through Arthur

The two teams cancelled each other out in the early stages, with Eintracht initially defending solidly and Robin Koch winning a number of important duels. However, with 26 minutes gone, Alejandro Grimaldo teed up Arthur in the penalty area, and he left Kaua Santos with no chance with a shot from six metres. 

Tillman makes it 2-0The goal knocked the Eagles as Bayer 04 linked up well during this period, and just seven minutes later they were 2-0 up courtesy of a long-range shot from the unmarked Malik Tillman.Chances for Frankfurt Eintracht struggled to really cause the visitors problems going forward, although Kalimuendo narrowly missed the target with an effort (37’) and Aurele Amenda headed over the bar in added time. The Eagles were fortunate that Edmond Tapsoba failed to make it 3-0 with a free header from a free-kick on the stroke of half-time. 

Koch reduces deficitFrankfurt got themselves back in the game in the 50th minute thanks to Koch. Amenda delivered the ball into the centre from the right and after his first volley was saved by Leverkusen keeper Janis Blaswich, the Eintracht captain buried the rebound from seven metres.Second yellow for Skhiri In the period that followed, Eintracht fought fiercely, took control of the game and almost drew level in the 67th minute, when Arthur Theate’s long-range effort flew just over the upright. But when Ellyes Skhiri was shown two yellow cards for two fouls in as many minutes, the Eagles had to contest the last 20 minutes with ten men. 

Garcia settles itSkhiri’s dismissal allowed Leverkusen back into the game. Eintracht’s ten men kept fighting for an equaliser until the end, with Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab’s attempt being saved by Blaswich (87’) and Koch heading just over (89’). The contest was decided once and for all when Aleix Garcia made it 3-1 to Leverkusen on the counter.