Mexican stars shine as Frankfurt down Leverkusen

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The Bundesliga's two Mexican stars marked their country's Independence Day celebrations with goals, as Marco Fabian inspired Eintracht Frankfurt to a 2-1 win over Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Goals: 1-0 Meier (53'), 1-1 Chicharito (60'), 2-1 Fabian (79')

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There was a frenetic start at the Commerzbank Arena as both sides looked to gain the early advantage. However, with both fielding five-man midfields and employing high pressing tactics there was little by way of goalmouth chances, as possession changed hands frequently. Leverkusen's Admir Mehmedi had the best opportunity of the half, but fired over from just inside the area following good work by Kevin Kampl, while Fabian was the hosts' key creative figure at the other end.

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Indeed, it was Fabian who teed up Frankfurt's opener early in the second half. Picking the ball up on the left he crossed into the box where Haris Seferovic flicked on to Alex Meier, who made no mistake from six yards. Their lead was short-lived, though, as Chicharito equalised minutes later, opening his account for the season from Kevin Volland's pass. Fabian restored Frankfurt's advantage in the closing stages with a close-range tap-in, before Chicharito missed a late penalty to allow the hosts to record their second home win of the season.

Man of the Match

This game could mark a turning point in Fabian's Bundesliga career. The 27-year-old was excellent throughout and capped a fine performance with a confidence-boosting goal.

Talking Point

This match was billed as a Mexican match-up between Fabian and Chicharito, and the duo did not disappoint, each playing their part in an entertaining encounter.

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Match Stats

    Fabian started his first Bundesliga match of the season here.This fixture has never finished 0-0 in the Bundesliga.Leverkusen's Charles Aranguiz covered more ground than any other player on the pitch (12.26 km).

Line-ups

Frankfurt: Hradecky – Chandler, Abraham, Vallejo, Oszcipka – Hasebe, Huszti – Gacinovic (Rebic 62'), Meier (c) (Hrgota 78'), Fabian – Seferovic (Mascarell 68')

Coach: Niko Kovac

Leverkusen: Leno – Jedvaj (Wendell 85'), Tah, Toprak (c), Henrichs – Brandt, Baumgartlinger (Calhanoglu 57'), Aranguiz, Kampl – Chicharito, Mehmedi (Volland 57')

Coach: Roger Schmidt