RB Leipzig secure historic first win at Eintracht Frankfurt
RB Leipzig secured their first-ever win at Eintracht Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park, with Yan Diomande, Antonio Nusa and Conrad Harder scoring in a 3-1 victory that strengthens their hold on a UEFA Champions League place.
Goals: 0-1 Diomande 27’ (assist: Klostermann), 1-1 Larsson 35’ (assist: Amaimouni-Echghouyab), 1-2 Nusa 70’ (assist: Finkgräfe), 1-3 Harder 81’ (assist: Nusa)
Leipzig arrived having failed to win in 10 previous visits to Frankfurt. However, in the midst of an impressive run of form that had seen them win five of their last six matches, the timing seemed perfect to end their Frankfurt hoodoo and strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.
The hosts, meanwhile, were looking to build on their first away win in almost five months achieved under Albert Riera, hoping to continue their push for European football next season.
The match began with both sides feeling each other out, though Jonathan Burkardt had the first meaningful opportunity in the sixth minute, forcing a smart save from Maarten Vandevoordt. However, Leipzig gradually gained control with Yan Diomande causing problems for the Frankfurt defence, and the Ivorian opened the scoring in stunning fashion shortly before the half-hour mark. After beating three Frankfurt defenders on a mazy run, he curled brilliantly into the bottom corner.
Frankfurt responded well and found their equaliser seven minutes later when Hugo Larsson nodded home from close range after excellent work from Arnaud Kalimuendo and Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab.
The second half began with renewed intensity as Christoph Baumgartner tested Michael Zetterer within two minutes of the restart, while Oscar Höjlund saw his effort saved by Vandevoordt moments later. As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Antonio Nusa produced a moment of quality, cutting inside from the left and firing a powerful shot that squeezed past Zetterer to restore Leipzig's lead.
Werner's substitutions proved inspired when Conrad Harder, on for just 72 seconds, fired through Zetterer's legs from Nusa's precise pass to effectively end the contest.
Man of the Match: Yan Diomande
The 19-year-old delivered a masterclass, further establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting talents. His stunning solo goal to open the scoring showcased both his dribbling ability and clinical finishing, while his all-round contribution was equally impressive.
Diomande won 16 challenges, recorded the highest pass efficiency (2.55), and registered the fastest sprint speed of the match (35.44 km/h). Having previously scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, Diomande once again proved to be Frankfurt's tormentor-in-chief.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 1.62 - Leipzig 1.91
Fastest player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 35.44 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 3 percent
Most pressed player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 26 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), +2.55
Fantasy Heroes: Yan Diomande (Leipzig, 377 Points), Antonio Nusa (Leipzig, 323 Points), Max Finkgräfe (Leipzig, 261 Points)
