Eintracht Frankfurt Faces Another Defeat in Bundesliga
The struggles for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga continue as they suffer yet another loss, marking a disappointing trend. After a painful exit from the European competition just days earlier, the team has now allowed three goals in five consecutive matches. Concerns regarding the ongoing defensive frailties of the squad are certainly amplified following this latest setback.
Arnaud Kalimuendo Opens the Scoring
Once again, Nottingham Forest’s loaned player, Arnaud Kalimuendo, made his mark early in the game, mirroring his performance from the previous Friday against Bremen. The 24-year-old took slightly longer to score his second Bundesliga goal, as he had already been testing the defense during the early minutes. He finally broke the deadlock at the 18-minute mark, benefiting from a well-placed pass from Can Uzun. With an impressive first touch, Kalimuendo struck from 13 meters to find the back of the net past Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
The Hessian team dominated the initial phase of the match, significantly aided by a flexible tactical approach from interim coach Dennis Schmitt. Frankfurt’s ability to alternate between a three-man and four-man defense left Hoffenheim struggling to find their rhythm. Early on, TSG defenders Ozan Kabak and Vladimir Coufal executed vital defensive moves. Without the outstanding defensive efforts from Hoffenheim, Frankfurt could have easily secured more goals.
Hoffenheim Grows in Confidence
In a display of resilience, Hoffenheim gradually fought back into contention. As the first half progressed, Eintracht’s defenders, who had previously been criticized, stepped up to thwart Hoffenheim’s attempts at equalizing. Key interventions came from Robin Koch (28th minute), Rasmus Kristensen (32nd), and goalkeeper Kaua Santos (39th). TSG’s attacking midfielder Wouter Burger squandered a golden opportunity for a goal just before halftime, mistaking an excellent cross from Fisnik Asllani for a chance at the net, heading it directly at the Frankfurt keeper.
Overall, Eintracht responded effectively to their coach’s directives, displaying compact and spirited defending. The hosts maintained a threat on the counter-attack, aiming to further challenge Hoffenheim’s defense. Tensions in the Hoffenheim camp grew as the first half neared its conclusion, resulting in bookings for both active fullback Vladimir Coufal and his teammate Albian Hajdari.
Frankfurt Collapses Again
As the second half commenced, it appeared as though Eintracht were in a favorable position, but the situation deteriorated swiftly. In the 52nd minute, Hoffenheim equalized after a powerful build-up on their left side. Burger delivered a precise cross that was met by Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt, who scored with a commanding header from close range.
Shortly thereafter, in the 60th minute, Hoffenheim took the lead. A misjudged corner clearance by Frankfurt’s goalkeeper Kaua Santos allowed Burger to regain possession, presenting an unmarked Ozan Kabak with an easy opportunity to finish from close range, making it 2-1.
The scenario worsened for Frankfurt just five minutes later, as defender Auréle Amenda, already under pressure, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 65th minute. This marked the fifth match where Frankfurt conceded three goals, highlighting their ongoing struggles since the Bundesliga resumed in January 2026.
Player Ratings: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Substitutes: Grischa Prömel (-), Ihlas Bebou (-), Muhammed Damar (-)
Player Ratings: Eintracht Frankfurt
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Substitutes: Hugo Larsson (-), Ansgar Knauff (-), Jean-Manuel Bahoya (-), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (-)
Player of the Match: Max Moerstedt
Among the impressive performances from the Hoffenheim squad, Max Moerstedt stood out as the player of the match. Along with his equalizing goal, he was actively involved in several scoring opportunities, demonstrating significant impact during the game. Boasting 71 touches and completing 50 passes in a match that showcased his capabilities, Moerstedt truly shone in his first start of the season.
This performance raises expectations for the young striker, who is anticipated to be a breakout player this campaign, especially with the recent opportunity to gain more playing time following teammates’ absences.
