Conference League: Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates shooting festival against Helsinki

Eintracht Frankfurt is in a frenzy in the game against HJK Helsinki. Five players were able to get on the top scorer list – and an Eintracht legend scored an acclaimed assist.

Eintracht Frankfurt dispatched HJK Helsinki in the first leg of the Conference League group stage: The Hessians won 6-0 (4-0) and thus improved their position in Group G. The goals were scored by Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe (12./FE, 89th), Robin Koch (27th), Omar Marmoush (31st), Tuta (45th + 3) and Ellyes Skhiri (55th).

“It was a great game, it was extremely fun. A successful evening,” said Koch after the game. Goalkeeper Jens Grahl agreed: “It was an amazing feeling, the fans and the atmosphere were absolute madness. I still have goosebumps.”

Dina Ebimbe starts

At Eintracht, Mario Götze celebrated his starting eleven comeback after a maternity leave. In addition, Grahl was once again in goal for Kevin Trapp, who was suspended this time. In the 5th minute, the goalkeeper had to intervene directly and defuse an attempt by Perparim Hetemaj. Afterwards, however, he was able to sit back and enjoy the game of the people in front of him.

Because the people of Frankfurt played themselves into a real frenzy. The VAR was activated after a handball in the penalty area. Dina Ebimbe, also back in the first eleven, grabbed the ball for the penalty and scored – 1-0 (12th). Ten minutes later the Frenchman could have scored a brace, but his impressive interaction with Marmoush ended in the arms of HJK ​​keeper Jesse Öst.

Chaibi hangs up several times

In the 27th minute, Öst was there to counter a direct free kick from Farès Chaibi. However, the subsequent corner brought Koch over the line to make it 2-0. Eintracht then further restricted Helsinki. In the 31st minute, Marmoush failed twice to block the opposing defenders, and the remarkable third attempt with the outer instep hit the goal – 3-0. But that’s not all: Tuta powerfully headed in one of many strong Chaibi corners in stoppage time in the first half to make it 4-0.

After the break, the attack continued seamlessly: Knauff hit a Chaibi cross directly onto the crossbar (50th). Things went better five minutes later: the outstanding Chaibi sent Dina Ebimbe, whose cross was converted by Skhiri to make it 5-0. On the other side, European Cup debutant Grahl was once again in demand: He was able to parry Topi Keskinen’s shot (64′).

Chandler gets his big moment

As a result, the game petered out – Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller made a substitution and HJK Helsinki was happy that the result didn’t initially become any clearer. Then Eintracht veteran Timothy Chandler celebrated his season debut – and a big moment: Dina Ebimbe used his assist to make the final score 6-0 (89th).

In Group G of the Conference League, Eintracht Frankfurt has significantly improved its starting position. After three games there are six points. Only PAOK Saloniki is better at the moment, overturning a 2-0 deficit in Aberdeen and remaining league leaders. “We want to come first in the group,” confirmed sports director Markus Krösche. In two weeks, the Hessians will pay a return visit to HJK Helsinki (November 9th, 6:45 p.m.). The Bundesliga continues on Sunday (3:30 p.m.) with the home game against Borussia Dortmund.