Eintracht Frankfurt’s New Chapter Begins with Mixed Results Under Albert Riera
Six days following their final match managed by interim coaches Dennis Schmitt and Alexander Meier, Eintracht Frankfurt returned to the field under the leadership of new head coach Albert Riera. The struggling team, known as the RheinMainAdler, faced a challenging opponent in the Bundesliga’s matchday 21 opener against Steffen Baumgart’s 1. FC Union Berlin on Friday evening in Köpenick.
A Promising Spirit, Yet No Win in Sight
Under Riera’s guidance, there was an unmistakable rejuvenation within the team. Despite this renewed energy, Eintracht remains without a win in their last eight games of 2026, earning only a point in the 1-1 draw against Union Berlin. The visitors came close to claiming all three points, but Union proved slightly superior as the evening ended in a stalemate.
Unremarkable First Half Action
The opening 45 minutes were lackluster, with both teams struggling to find their pace, possibly due to several smoke displays obscuring the pitch. While the game itself lacked excitement, the atmosphere created by the fans celebrating Union’s 60th anniversary brought energy to the event.
Riera’s squad, aiming to implement a fast-paced, short-passing style, held the majority of possession but failed to create significant chances. Union managed to test Eintracht’s goalkeeper Kaua Santos a couple of times; Santos confidently intercepted a threatening cross in the 37th minute and later deflected a powerful long-range shot over the bar in the 41st minute.
Eintracht Shows Slight Offensive Spark
After a slow start to the second half, Eintracht generated their first scoring opportunity in the 56th minute, initiated by a combination play involving Ritsu Doan, Mario Götze, and Kalimuendo. Unfortunately, Oscar Højlund mishandled the chance, failing to capitalize from a favorable position. Although there were further attempts to threaten Union’s goal, the hosts quickly re-established control, stifling Frankfurt’s brief momentum.
Union Dominates Until Eintracht Breakthrough
Union appeared to be taking the reins as second-half substitutions were made. Young talent Livian Burcu showed promise, setting up an opportunity for Derrick Köhn, who hit the post in the 76th minute. Just before the 84th minute, Eintracht substitute Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab set up the opening goal fortuitously when Mahmoud Dahoud inadvertently misplayed a clearance attempt, allowing Nathaniel Brown to score from the ensuing loose ball.
Eintracht’s Lead Short-lived
Unfortunately for Frankfurt, their lead proved fleeting. Just three minutes after Brown’s goal, Højlund, already on a yellow card, fouled Rani Khedira in the penalty area. Following Højlund’s dismissal, Leopold Querfeld converted the penalty to equalize in the 87th minute. Santos, struggling in goal, was unable to save what was not a well-taken shot from Querfeld. With Union now having the upper hand, they were close to netting a winning goal, but Dahoud made a critical block against Andrej Ilic in the dying moments.
Player Ratings: 1. FC Union Berlin
- Frederick Rønnow (4)
- Stanley Nsoki (6), Leopold Querfeld (6), Danilho Doekhi (6)
- Derrick Köhn (4), Rani Kheidira (6), Christopher Trimmel (6)
- Aljoscha Kemlein (4), Andras Schäfer (4)
- Woo-Yeong Jeong (4), Ilyas Ansah (4)
Substitutes:
- Livian Burcu (7), Andrej Ilic (7), Janik Haberer (5), Alex Kral (6)
Player Ratings: Eintracht Frankfurt
- Kaua Santos (3)
- Nathaniel Brown (6), Arthur Theate (6), Robin Koch (5), Rasmus Kristensen (6)
- Oscar Højlund (2), Hugo Larsson (6), Mario Götze (5)
- Fares Chaïbi (5), Ritsu Doan (5)
- Arnaud Kalimuendo (4)
Substitutes:
- Jean-Matteo Bahoya (4), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (7), Mahmoud Dahoud (7), Aurelé Amenda (-)
GGFN Player of the Match: Rani Khedira (6)
As reflected in the ratings, substitutes from both teams outshined starters in terms of performance. Khedira, although lucky to avoid bookings for rough fouls, played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to Union’s midfield and setting up offensive plays. Despite some shortcomings, he emerged as one of the standout players in a match where direct actions were limited.
