Ekitiké and Hložek star in pulsating draw | OneFootball

Ekitiké shines but Hložek steals the show in thrilling draw

Hoffenheim 2-2 Frankfurt                                                                                                                                          Goals: 0-1 Ekitiké 26' (penalty), 1-1 Orban 65' (assist: Hložek), 2-1 Ekitiké 71' (assist: Kristensen), 2-2 Hložek 90+5' (assist: Kramarić)

The PreZero Arena played host to a scintillating Bundesliga clash as Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt battled to a 2-2 draw.  Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitiké emerged as the standout performer, netting twice, but it was Hoffenheim's Adam Hložek who had the final say with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.

Hugo Ekitiké opened the scoring from the spot despite Hoffenheim's strong start to the game. (IMAGO/Jan Huebner)

Ekitiké breaks the deadlock

The first half saw Hoffenheim dominate possession, but it was Frankfurt who drew first blood. In the 26th minute, Ekitiké stepped up to take a penalty after being fouled by Kevin Akpoguma. The Frenchman made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Luca Philipp to give the visitors the lead. Despite Hoffenheim's pressure, including a close call when Hložek hit the woodwork, Frankfurt held onto their advantage going into the break.

Kevin Akpoguma had his hands full against Ekitiké. (Alex Grimm)

Intense battle unfolds

The match was fiercely competitive from the first minute, with Hoffenheim determined to secure a home victory, and Frankfurt holding firm against their pressure. With a total of 24 shots in the game, the hosts hit Frankfurt with wave after wave of attacks, but were consequently vulnerable on the break. Despite having taken the lead, the visitors couldn't wrestle control of the game away from Hoffenheim.

It was an enthralling game, with both sides desperate for all three points. (IMAGO/Oliver Zimmermann)

Second-half drama unfolds

The second half burst into life as Hoffenheim continued to press for an equaliser. They thought they had found it when Hložek put the ball in the net on the hour mark, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Undeterred, the hosts kept pushing and were rewarded in the 66th minute when substitute Gift Orban found the net, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, their joy was short-lived as Ekitiké struck again just five minutes later, restoring Frankfurt's lead with a clinical finish. The match seemed to be heading towards a narrow away victory, but Hoffenheim had other ideas.

Gift Orban pulled his side level with his first goal for the club. (IMAGO/Michael Weber IMAGEPOWER)

Hložek's heroics seal the draw

As the clock ticked into the fifth minute of stoppage time, Hložek produced a moment of magic. The Czech forward latched onto a clever chip from Andrej Kramarić and volleyed home a spectacular equaliser, sending the PreZero Arena into a frenzy. It was a fitting end to a match that had seen both sides trade blows throughout.

Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké

Despite the late equaliser denying Frankfurt the victory, Hugo Ekitiké's performance was nothing short of outstanding. The young Frenchman was a constant threat, scoring both of his side's goals and proving to be a thorn in Hoffenheim's side throughout the match. His penalty in the first half was coolly taken, while his second goal demonstrated his predatory instincts in the box. Ekitiké's brace and overall contribution made him the standout performer of the match.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Hoffenheim 2.78 - Frankfurt 2.48Fastest player: Ansgar Knauff (SGE), 35.24 km/hLowest goal probability: 2-2 by Adam Hložek (TSG), 16.82 percentMost pressed player: Andrej Kramarić (TSG), 26 times under pressurePass efficiency: Ansgar Knauff (SGE), +2.9

Fantasy Heroes: Hugo Ekitiké (Eintracht Frankfurt, 350 Points), Adam Hložek (TSG Hoffenheim, 283 Points), Rasmus Kristensen (Eintracht Frankfurt, 245 Points)

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