11. Matchday

10.11.2012 Sa, 15:30

FC Bayern München

Eintracht Frankfurt

2 : 0

Impressive Performance Despite Defeat

The Eagles have suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Bayern München who threferor are still top of the league. Franck Ribery (44’) and David Alaba (77’ PEN) scored for the hosts. Eintracht showed a decent performance against the title contender.

Eintracht manager Armin Veh made one change to the Eintracht starting line-up compared to last week, Karim Matmour replaced Olivier Occean in the attacking position.

RESPECTFUL START

It took the SGE a while to drop their respect for Bayern who ahead of the match had suffered only one defeat in their last 14 Bundesliga matches also achieved a starting record in the Bundesliga history (10 matches, 27 points, +26 goals).

FCB was in control in the opening 15 minutes of the match and Robben had a miss from close range after a counter attack (9’) but then Eintracht started to take a more courageous approach and created a first chance when Aigner headed wide after a cross by Oczikpa (18’).

BRAVE EAGLES

It was impressive how the Eagles were to some extent an even opponent given that they are a side promoted from Bundesliga 2 and played against last season’s Champions League finalist. In the first half they won over 60% of their one on one duels and created further chances by Rode (22’) and Meier (35’). At the other end keeper Kevin Trapp did ever so well to save a shot by Ribery (26’).

A 0-0 would have been a deserved half time score and just when the 71,000 settled for it Bayern grabbed the lead. They came forward in a counter attack after an Eintracht corner via Alaba and Martinez who set up Ribery with a through ball, the French international tucked it in from close range (44’). And if it wasn’t for Kevin Trapp in the SGE goal the hosts could have added to the opening goal even, but the keeper saved attempts of both Kroos and Ribery.

EVEN MATCH

After the break Eintracht continued to play towards the front and seemed unimpressed by the Bayern lead. To the contrary, they came close to equalizing when a Schwegler free-kick found Meier who flicked on to Anderson, unfortunately his well-timed header went against the cross bar (50’). A minute later Rode tried it with a long-range shot (51’), then Matmour let go a powerful shot also but Bayern keeper Neuer was at the end of it (56’).

FCB interestingly relied on counter attacks and of course they are always a threat when going forward, the likes of Robben, Schweinsteiger, and Ribery are part of a powerful side with plenty of skill in the offense. Martinez (65’) and van Buyten (68’) had chances for them but it was still an even match with the Eagles pushing for the goal.

DEBATABLE DECISION

With a debatable penalty decision by referee Marco Fritz the hosts extended their lead when Alaba converted from the spot (77’). Demidov was supposed to have fouled Schweinsteiger, it was unconfirmed whether there was a decisive contact. Bayern’s 2-0 was too much to overcome for the brave Eintracht side in the remainder of the match.

Still SGE’s performance was impressive and should be a good foundation for the weeks to come. Goalkeeper Trapp showed an excellent performance and it was good to see how the Eagles kept sticking to their offensive approach, even against an opponent of such high caliber. Next week there will be a home match for Frankfurt against FC Augsburg (Saturday at 15.30h CET).

(Holger Ruhl)