Ingolstadt keep their nerve from the penalty spot to beat Eintracht Frankfurt
Ingolstadt picked up three precious points in the battle against the drop courtesy of a 2-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Commerzbank Arena.
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Ingolstadt
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Goals: 0-1 Bregerie (26'); 0-2 Groß (69')
Red cards: Abraham (34'); Leckie (81')
With the same starting line-up that narrowly lost to FC Bayern München last weekend, Ingolstadt began aggressively. The visitors twice went close through Mathew Leckie early, and although Ante Rebic threatened at the other end, Romain Bregerie's first-ever Bundesliga goal was deserved reward for an enterprising start. Things went from bad to worse for Frankfurt before the break: first David Abraham was dismissed for a high tackle; then Jesus Vallejo hobbled off injured. Die Schanzer were denied a second goal, though, when Lukas Hradecky saved well from Pascal Groß's free-kick.
With Rebic to the fore, Frankfurt began positively after the interval. The hosts were awarded a penalty nine minutes into the second period, but Ingolstadt keeper Martin Hansen atoned for his error in bringing down Rebic by saving well from Hasebe. The Japan international then, remarkably, hit the rebound onto the bar. Buoyed by the let-off, the visitors hunted a second goal and had a chance to double the lead when substitute Michael Hector brought Leckie down in the box, Groß stepping up and making no mistake from the spot. His side also kept their cool, despite Leckie's late dismissal, and held on for three precious points.
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Talking Point
While Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac will be concerned about the potential absences of both his first-choice centre-backs, the real talking point is Ingolstadt's survival attempt. Walpurgis' side remain in the drop zone, but looked in good shape here: more such performances might just help them remain in the promised land.
Match Stats
- The 22 players in the two starting line-ups came from 17 different nations.Ingolstadt scored following a corner for the first time this season.Groß's goal came from his first-ever penalty in the Bundesliga.