PLAYER RATINGS | Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 RB Leipzig – Leipzig take a big step towards Champions League qualification | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt hosted RB Leipzig, with the latter still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, especially after Hoffenheim’s win earlier today.

The first half was mainly all the visitors, who challenged Frankfurt keeper Michael Zetterer the most, while Albert Riera’s side had a lot of the ball, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. The deadlock would be broken in the 27th minute when Yan Diomande went on a mazy run and was not challenged by the die Adler defenders, allowing the Ivorian to make it 1-0. 

Frankfurt would not be behind for long, as a mis-hit Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab volley would be diverted into the path of Hugo Larsson, who headed home to make it 1-1. 

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first 45, with Frankfurt seeing more of the ball, but Leipzig was more threatening in front of goal. Antonio Nusa would give Leipzig the lead once again when he made it 2-1 in the 70th minute, before Conrad Harder secured the three points with a low driven effort past Zetterer.

The win for Leipzig means they remain third, with a five-point gap over fifth-placed Hoffenheim. With a relatively easy run of games to end the season, Ole Werner’s side should qualify for the Champions League, barring any potential collapse. 

This is Albert Riera’s third loss since becoming Frankfurt’s head coach; the other two were against Bayern Munich and Mainz. The Spaniard has still had a positive tenure as head coach of die Adler; however, their chances of European football next year depend on other teams’ performances. 

Eintracht Frankfurt:

Michael Zetterer (5), Aurele Amenda (5), Robin Koch (5), Arthur Theate (5), Farès Chaïbi (5), Hugo Larsson (6), Oscar Højlund (5), Nathanial Brown (6), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (5), Arnaud Kalimuendo (5), Jonathan Burkardt (5)

Others: Can Uzun (5), Ellyes Skhiri (5), Ansgar Knauff (5), Elias Baum (-)

RB Leipzig:

Maarten Vandevoordt (5), Ridle Baku (5), Lukas Klostermann (5), El Chadaille Bitshiabu (5), Max Finkgräfe (6), Christoph Baumgartner (6), Nicolas Seiwald (6), Assan Ouedraogo (5), Yan Diomande (7), Romulo (5), Antonio Nusa (7)

Others: Brajan Gruda (5), David Raum (5), Conrad Harder (5), Johan Bakayoko (-), Benjamin Henrichs (-)

GGFN Man of the Match: Yan Diomande (7)

The Ivorian continues to have a standout season. His opener showcased the strong skillset he has, while it also added to his tally of 12 goals and six assists in 29 games. While there may be doubts about whether he is worth the €100m reported price tag, what he is showing is that at some point in his career, on his current trajectory, he will be worth that much. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan