Dhe anger was huge. When the highly unfortunate defeat was complete, Markus Krösche was the first to speak plain language. “It really gets on my nerves,” said Eintracht’s sports director after the 2-1 draw against Dortmund. The weak referee Sascha Stegemann would have had to decide on penalties twice per Eintracht. Twice he voted against Frankfurt.
A clearer offense than the foul on Jesper Lindström in the 42nd minute has not been seen in the Eintracht Arena for a long time. Borussia professional Karim Adeyemi even pulled out a little to knock the boisterous Dane in the penalty area. Lindström fell on the ball with his hand and Stegemann whistled for handball. Even long after the end of the game, Krösche didn’t want to believe it.
“That’s a joke.” The video colleagues in the Cologne basement should have consulted Stegemann and asked him to watch the scene on television. But they didn’t. “We spoke to the referees about it 840 times,” said Krösche. “I don’t know what they’re doing.” They certainly weren’t up to speed on that scene.
Strong game of unity
Just like the second wrong decision of this otherwise strong football evening. Niklas Süle clearly pushed Mario Götze, who had his back to BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (58′). Götze and Kobel went down. But the penalty whistle didn’t come here either. Stegemann later spoke of Süle “laying on of hands”. At least he corrected himself after the end of the game when he missed the first penalty. “My colleagues would have radioed me and I should have given a penalty.”
It was a strong game that showed the unity of their paying clientele. It should have been rewarded with a win. But coach Oliver Glasner’s team didn’t manage to overcome the outstanding Kobel more than once, despite a variety of first-class opportunities. Daichi Kamada with a low shot in the 26th minute was reserved for Julian Brandt (21st) to equalize the deficit. Another goal was denied to the undauntedly fighting Eintracht. Jude Bellingham with a fine goal ensured BVB’s flattering victory (52nd). “We are to blame for the defeat,” said Eintracht coach Oliver Glasner. “We simply missed too many chances to score.”
Before the ball really started rolling, a great man was remembered. Rolf Heller, President in difficult Eintracht times from 1996 to 2000, died on October 24 after a serious illness at the age of 78. In his honor, the 50,000 spectators rose in the sold-out arena. Heller took responsibility when Eintracht was relegated and was on the ground in terms of sport. A man of honor who was succeeded by Peter Fischer at the head of the club at the turn of the millennium.
When the top game started after the minute’s silence, Djibril Sow watched the action from the bench. Coach Glasner initially left the Swiss out. For him, Kamada was there from the start. A good decision, as will be shown later. Eintracht started boldly and confidently and it was junior Dina Ebimbe who made the first statement. Seemingly light-footed, the fast Frenchman got through on the right and played the ball to Lindström, but the Dane was blocked (4th minute).
