Frankfurt’s European Dream Takes a Setback, Hoffenheim’s Hopes Faded in Anderlecht
Eintracht Frankfurt’s chances of advancing in the Europa League took a hit as they lost 2-0 to AS Roma in the final group stage match. Meanwhile, 1899 Hoffenheim’s hopes of progressing were extinguished despite a 4-3 win over RSC Anderlecht, as they failed to secure a top-two finish in the group.
Roma dominated the early stages, with Frankfurt struggling to create clear-cut chances. The Italian side’s pressure eventually paid off in the 22nd minute, when Larsson’s header was saved by the Frankfurt goalkeeper, only to be denied by the post.
In the 44th minute, former Leipzig player Angelino finally gave Roma the lead with a volley from a sharp angle, following a Mancini cross. The Frankfurt team’s efforts in the second half were hampered by a lack of cohesion and creativity and they conceded a second goal in the 69th minute when Shomurodov capitalized on a defensive mistake by Tuta and scored from a low angle.
Despite the defeat, Frankfurt can still celebrate their advancement to the knockout stages.
In Anderlecht, Hoffenheim faced an uphill battle, trailing 1-0 after Vazquez’s shot in the 18th minute. However, the German team managed to turn the game around, with Hranac’s header in the 44th minute, following a Bischof corner, leveling the score. The Kraichgauer then took the lead in the 54th minute, as Bischof scored from 17 meters and Mokwa added a third in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a missed pass by Moerstedt and finishing a counter-attack.
Hoffenheim’s fourth goal, scored by Hlozek in the 65th minute, seemed to seal the win, but the home team showed its spirit, with Goto Akpoguma’s goal in the 79th minute and Leonis Heber’s assist to Augustinsson, who scored a beautiful goal from 24 meters in the 88th minute, narrowing the gap.
Although Hoffenheim secured a win, they ultimately failed to advance to the next round, as they did not finish in the top two of their group.