Eintracht Frankfurt’s challenging start to the 2026 season continues, marked by yet another defeat in the Bundesliga. Merely three days after a disappointing European exit, the team known as RheinMainAdler has now conceded three goals for the fifth consecutive match. Doubts surrounding the team’s recurring defensive blunders are more prominent than ever following this latest setback.

Similar to his performance against Bremen just last week, Nottingham Forest’s loaned player Arnaud Kalimuendo was the first to score. However, the 24-year-old took a bit longer to secure his second Bundesliga goal than expected. After several near misses in the 4th, 5th, and 7th minutes, Kalimuendo found the back of the net in the 18th minute. He connected well with a perfectly placed pass from Can Uzun, striking the ball past TSG goalkeeper Oliver Baumann from around 13 meters on the left flank.

Frankfurt was clearly in control for the first quarter-hour and beyond, largely due to the adaptive tactical setup employed by interim coach Dennis Schmitt. The team frequently switched between a three-defender and four-defender layout, which left Hoffenheim struggling to find their groove. Early on, defenders Ozan Kabak and Vladimir Coufal made key defensive stops to thwart Frankfurt’s scoring chances, which could have been even greater without those timely interventions.

Despite facing early setbacks, Hoffenheim, led by coach Christian Ilzer, fought back into the match. As the first half progressed, the under-fire Frankfurt defense stepped up to block several scoring attempts. Notably, Robin Koch (28th), Rasmus Kristensen (32nd), and goalkeeper Kaua Santos (39th) prevented Hoffenheim from equalizing. Unfortunately for TSG, attacking midfielder Wouter Burger squandered a great opportunity just before halftime, heading a perfect cross from Fisnik Asllani directly into the arms of the Frankfurt keeper.

Overall, Eintracht responded well to their coach’s instructions, demonstrating solid defensive organization and passion. They remained a threat on counterattacks, nearly setting up Kalimuendo and Ritsu Doan for excellent shooting chances as the first half drew to a close. However, tensions boiled over for Hoffenheim when active fullback Vladimir Coufal and fellow defender Albian Hajdari received yellow cards.

The start of the second half seemed promising for Frankfurt, but things quickly unraveled following a strong play from Hoffenheim in the 52nd minute. Burger delivered a pinpoint cross to TSG’s Max Moerstedt, who capitalized with a powerful header to level the match at 1-1.

Just eight minutes later, Hoffenheim took the lead. After a weak clearance by Kaua Santos from a corner kick in the 60th minute, Burger regained possession and crossed the ball into the area where Ozan Kabak was unmarked. Kabak headed the ball home, securing a 2-1 advantage for his team, with Burger earning his second assist for the night.

The situation worsened for Frankfurt shortly after, as Auréle Amenda, struggling defensively, inadvertently scored an own goal in the 65th minute. Hoffenheim’s Coufal and Andrej Kramaric made quick lateral movements that left the Frankfurt defense scrambling before Amenda deflected Coufal’s cross into his own net for a 3-1 scoreline.

Following the third goal, neither side exhibited much intensity for the remainder of the match.

Oliver Baumann (5) – Bernardo (6), Albian Hajdari (7), Ozan Kabak (8), Vladimir Coufal (7) – Leon Avdullahu (5), Wouter Burger (8), Andrej Kramaric (6), Alexander Prass (6), Max Moerstedt (8) – Fisnik Asllani (6)

Kaua Santos (3) – Auréle Amenda (3), Robin Koch (5), Nnamdi Collins (5) – Nathaniel Brown (5), Fares Chaïbi (4), Ellyes Skhiri (4), Rasmus Kristensen (3) – Can Uzun (6), Ritsu Doan (6), Arnaud Kalimuendo (6)

While both Wouter Burger and Ozan Kabak received high ratings of 8, the choice for Player of the Match is awarded to Max Moerstedt (8). He not only scored a crucial equalizer but also created multiple scoring opportunities, making a significant impact throughout the match. His exceptional play style showcased why many consider him a promising talent in the Bundesliga.

This match marked Moerstedt’s first start of the Bundesliga season, and he certainly made the most of the opportunity.