bundesliga

Omar Marmoush-less Eintracht Frankfurt too good for struggling Borussia Dortmund

18.01.2025

Hugo Ekitiké's first-half strike and Oscar Höjlund's stoppage-time goal gave third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, who stay winless in 2025.

Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Ekitiké 18' (assist: Kristensen), 2-0 Höjlund 90'+2 (assist: Uzun)

Dortmund came close to taking the lead in the ninth minute when Serhou Guirassy's header struck the post, but it was Frankfurt who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. With Frankfurt scorer Omar Marmoush left out of the squad due to ongoing transfer negotiations with an unnamed foreign club, Ekitiké finished off a quick one-two with Rasmus Kristensen from close range. The goal energised the hosts, and they nearly doubled their lead four minutes later when former Dortmund youngster Ansgar Knauff hit the woodwork with a curling effort.

Hugo Ekitiké scored his ninth Bundesliga goal of the season. - IMAGO/Ulrik Pedersen

Tactical shifts and late drama

Dortmund showed signs of life following the half-time introduction of Yan Couto, who tested Kevin Trapp within minutes of the restart. The Brazilian full-back continued to threaten on the right-hand side, with Jamie Gittens also finding moments of joy on the opposite flank. However, as Dortmund pressed forward in search of an equaliser, Frankfurt capitalised on a defensive error in stoppage time. Substitute Höjlund latched onto a pass from Can Uzun and calmly slotted home to secure the 2-0 victory - third-placed Frankfurt's third successive win in 2025. BVB stay 10th and could end the weekend as many as eight points adrift of the top four.

Oscar Höjlund, 19, celebrates his first Bundesliga goal. - IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus

Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké

Ekitiké stood out with a crucial performance for Frankfurt. His goal, coming from a chance with an xG of 0.2794, demonstrated his clinical finishing. Ekitiké also recorded the highest speed of any player in the match at 33.9 km/h, showcasing his threat on the counter-attack. His overall contribution was vital in securing the win for Frankfurt in the absence of Marmoush.

Ekitiké was a real handful for the ailing Dortmund defence. - DFL

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Frankfurt 1.87 - Dortmund 0.89
Fastest player: Hugo Ekitiké (SGE), 33.9 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Hugo Ekitiké (SGE), 28 percent
Most pressed player: Ansgar Knauff (SGE), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Yan Couto (BVB), +2.93

Fantasy Heroes: Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt, 278 Points), Rasmus Kristensen (Eintracht Frankfurt, 214 Points), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund, 266 Points)