Champions League: Kolo Muani shoots Eintracht Frankfurt into the round of 16

Eintracht Frankfurt is in the round of 16 of the Champions League. In the win in Lisbon, nothing comes together at first, then a penalty and the incredible power of Randal Kolo Muani ensure a holiday in Frankfurt.

Eintracht Frankfurt will also be part of the Champions League next year. The Hessians prevailed on Tuesday in the last group game at Sporting Lisbon after falling behind 2-1 (0-1) and thus made it into the round of 16.

Since Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1 in added time in the parallel game against Olympique Marseille, they do so as runners-up in the group. Arthur Gomes had given the Portuguese the lead (39′), Daichi Kamada from the point (62′) and Randal Kolo Muani (72′) then caused a collective celebration in Frankfurt.

Nothing works in the first half

Only three days after the offensive fireworks against Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht found it very difficult to get into the game against Lisbon. There was almost nothing to be seen of the offensive ease, especially in the first half, the home side made life very difficult for the Hessians with an extremely physical game. Sporting seemed more mature, Eintracht simply found no remedy against the strong defense and repeatedly despaired of the hosts’ duel strength. Opportunities? On both sides once no.

Sporting, who won 62 percent of the direct man-to-man duels in the first 45 minutes, offered Eintracht hardly any space and made almost no mistakes in the build-up. Eintracht, who only became dangerous after two corner kicks (11th/44th), made too many inaccuracies and then made exactly one mistake too many in the build-up game. After losing possession on the left, a deflected cross landed in the feet of Gomes, who slotted in dry for the half-time lead.

Since Olympique Marseille scored in the parallel game against Tottenham Hotspur shortly afterwards, Eintracht went into the break fourth in the table. Coach Oliver Glasner’s team were missing two goals for the round of 16, for the Europa League consolation prize either their own equalizer or a goal from Tottenham. The end of Europe was near.

After an hour everything falls apart

After the restart, some things changed in terms of personnel and gameplay. Captain Sebastian Rode came on for the overwhelmed Jesper Lindström and finally kissed Eintracht awake thanks to his dynamism and presence. The Hessians also struggled at the beginning of the second half, but joy and hope returned after an hour at the latest.

The first good news came after 54 minutes from Marseille, where Clement Lenglet equalized for Tottenham. Then Eintracht was awarded at least a questionable hand penalty. Sebastian Coates had previously jumped the ball in an aerial duel to the outstretched arm. Intention? no Increase in body area? Yes. Therefore penalty? Kamada didn’t care: the Japanese scored the equalizer and virtually shot Eintracht back into the Europa League. Only one more goal was missing for the premier class round of 16.

And then comes Kolo Muani

And that’s exactly what Kolo Muani did. Perhaps the best newcomer in years, after a pass from substitute Ansgar Knauff, won through against his opponent and inimitably threw the long ball into the far corner. The king’s transfer became a king’s class transfer – Eintracht, who increasingly earned victory in the second half, are now among the top 16 teams in Europe. Captain Rode, who was rightly voted the best player of the game, deserved special praise.

Who the Hessians meet in the next round will be decided in the draw on November 7th in Nyon.