Eintracht Frankfurt beat Borussia Mönchengladbach for first win under Albert Riera
Eintracht Frankfurt ended their seven-match winless run with 3-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach to give new head coach Albert Riera three points in his first home match.
Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Goals: 1-0 Brown 24’ (assist: Bahoya), 2-0 Amaimouni-Echghouyab 34’ (assist: Bahoya), 3-0 Knauff 75’
Albert Riera's home debut brought the desired outcome as Frankfurt earned an emphatic victory over Gladbach. The Spanish coach, who took over following a disappointing run of form, saw his side produce a clinical performance at Deutsche Bank Park.
The hosts were forced into three changes from their 1-1 draw at Union Berlin, with the suspended Oscar Höjlund and injured duo Arthur Theate and Farès Chaïbi making way for Aurèle Amenda, Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and debutant starter Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab.
Clinical Eagles soar to two-goal lead
Frankfurt suffered an early setback when Arnaud Kalimuendo was forced off after just 17 minutes following a collision with Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas, with Mahmoud Dahoud coming on in his place.
The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Nathaniel Brown combined brilliantly with Bahoya down the left. Brown released Bahoya into space before continuing his run into the box, where he received a return pass and side-footed confidently past Nicolas from 14 metres.
Ten minutes later, Frankfurt doubled their advantage with a moment of magic from Amaimouni-Echghouyab, who marked his first Bundesliga start by cutting inside from the right and curling a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner from 22 metres.
Knauff seals comfortable victory
Gladbach tried to respond after the break, with Haris Tabaković forcing a fine save from Kauã Santos with a glancing header. The visitors had more possession but struggled to turn it into clear chances against Frankfurt's disciplined defence.
Riera made a decisive change in the 70th minute, bringing on Ansgar Knauff for Mario Götze. The substitute made an immediate impact, capitalising on a mistake by Kōta Takai, who lost possession as the last defender. Knauff burst through on goal, rounded Nicolas and slotted home to make it 3-0.
He nearly added a fourth minutes later but was denied by a good save from the Gladbach keeper. Santos ensured Frankfurt's clean sheet remained intact for the first time since the middle of December with an acrobatic save to tip Wael Mohya's powerful shot onto the crossbar in the closing stages.
Man of the Match: Nathaniel Brown
The 21-year-old left-back was outstanding in both defensive and attacking phases. Brown not only scored the crucial opening goal with an intelligent run and composed finish, but his link-up play with Bahoya proved a constant threat down Frankfurt's left flank.
He timed his forward runs to perfection and showed remarkable composure in the final third. Brown also contributed defensively, making several important interventions as Frankfurt secured their first clean sheet in 2026. His overall display embodied the efficiency and clinical nature of Frankfurt's performance.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 1.47 - Gladbach 1.48
Fastest player: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 34.94 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (Frankfurt), 2.11 percent
Most pressed player: Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (Frankfurt), 21 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ritsu Dōan (Frankfurt), +2.48
Fantasy Heroes: Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt, 295 Points), Kauã Santos (Frankfurt, 249 Points), Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (Frankfurt, 239 Points)
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