Riera ends Frankfurt’s winless run in home debut | OneFootball

Albert Riera’s Waldstadion debut started with Arnaud Kalimuendo nearly reaching a long ball ahead of Gladbach’s onrushing goalkeeper Nicolas. At the other end, Haris Tabakovic was also unable to reach a hopeful ball into the penalty box.

The Nottingham Forest loanee was also at the center of Frankfurt’s second chance, but a contact with Nicolas while he was in an offside position led to an early substitution due to a shoulder injury.

Mahmoud Dahoud replaced Kalimuendo to face one of his old clubs, which meant Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya had to play different roles in their first starts of 2026.

Meanwhile, Kota Takai, who also switched from the English Premier League to the Bundesliga in the winter, forced Kaua Santos to his first save from the right flank. Moments later, Lukas Ullrich had a golden chance from the other side after a quickly taken free-kick while Rasmus Kristensen was receiving treatment.

However, the hosts did take the lead out of the blue in the 24th minute. Nathanel Brown scored his third goal of the new year with a brilliant strike after a delightful one-two with Bahoya in Frankfurt’s left flank.

Gladbach continued to create chances from set-pieces after the goal, but it was the hosts who doubled their lead with another well-executed strike. Amaimouni stunned the visitors with a solo effort after cutting from the right flank for his second Bundesliga goal since joining Frankfurt last month from Hoffenheim II.

Eugen Polanski’s side were much better for the majority of the half, but Frankfurt’s Brazilian shot-stopper was able to deal with tricky set-piece deliveries. Kaua Santos also started the second-half with a big save from Tabakovic, but Frankfurt regained control immediately.

And the win was sealed with Ansgar Knauff’s goal five minutes after the introduction of the former Borussia Dortmund winger. Takai was unable to deal with Kaua Santos’ long ball, and Knauff used his electric speed before rounding off the goalkeeper to slot it home.

Knauff had another chance right after his goal, but Nicolas prevented the fourth goal on that occasion. The impressive Kaua Santos confirmed his clean sheet with yet another superb save from the substitute Wael Mohya. The hosts climbed to seventh place after their first win of the new year. As for Gladbach, they’re only three points above the relegation/promotion playoff spot.

Frankfurt are away at league leaders Bayern Munich next weekend. Gladbach will be on the road once again with a match against Freiburg, who are unbeaten in their last 14 home games in all competitions.