Frankfurt Thump Leipzig 4-0 to Close in on Champs League Berth

Eintracht Frankfurt gave their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes a huge boost by thumping RB Leipzig 4-0 at Deutsche Bank Park. The win marks a significant milestone for Frankfurt, who are now on track for a first top-three finish since 1993.

The match saw Leipzig’s hopes of a second-half turnaround dashed within minutes of the restart, when Ansgar Knauff was fouled by El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who was shown a red card by referee Matthias Jollenbeck. Arthur Theate powered the resulting free-kick at Maarten Vandevoordt, but he parried it straight to Knauff, whose volley flew past the rooted goalkeeper.

Knauff had opened the scoring in the 21st minute, guiding his second league goal of the season past Vandevoordt after Hugo Ekitike’s driving run down the left. The 23-year-old came close to doubling his tally five minutes before the break when Ekitike again teed him up from the left, but a crucial block from Bitshiabu kept Leipzig’s deficit at one.

Ekitike got in on the act in the 75th minute, heading home Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s cross to draw level with January departee Omar Marmoush as Frankfurt’s top scorer in the league this season on 15. Robin Koch rose highest at Bahoya’s corner and guided his header in at the near post five minutes later to seal the win for Frankfurt.

Match Stats:

• Ansgar Knauff scored one goal and created another in Frankfurt’s 4-0 win over RB Leipzig.
• Hugo Ekitike scored one goal and provided one assist in the match.
• El Chadaille Bitshiabu was sent off for Leipzig in the 46th minute.

Man of the Match: Ansgar Knauff

Knauff was the architect of Leipzig’s downfall, scoring one goal and creating another in Frankfurt’s 4-0 win. His performance was instrumental in Frankfurt’s dominant display, and he will be looking to continue his form in the remaining matches of the season.

The win establishes a six-point buffer for Frankfurt inside the UEFA Champions League qualification places and puts pressure on Leipzig, who remain winless at Deutsche Bank Park after 10 Bundesliga visits. Frankfurt will be looking to build on this momentum in their remaining matches, while Leipzig will aim to regroup and push for a top-six finish.