Eintracht Frankfurt took a giant step toward Champions League qualification with a decisive 4-0 victory over RB Leipzig, extending their lead to six points with just three games remaining in the Bundesliga season.
Despite manager Dino Toppmöller downplaying the match as simply \"Matchday 31,\" the importance was clear as Frankfurt dominated their wealthier rivals, who sit fifth in the table.
\"We\'ve taken a huge step,\" Toppmöller admitted after the match, while cautioning that \"the job isn\'t finished yet.\"
Many doubted Frankfurt\'s ability to maintain their Champions League push after selling star forward Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January for a reported €70 million. Marmoush had been the league\'s second-highest scorer behind Harry Kane before his departure.
The Egyptian\'s exit initially sent the team into a tailspin, winning just one of seven matches across all competitions following his transfer. Four Bundesliga defeats in six games threatened to derail their European ambitions.
However, 22-year-old Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as Marmoush\'s worthy successor, registering four goals and four assists in the past nine games. His performance against Leipzig included a brilliant header to seal the victory, bringing his season tally to 15 Bundesliga goals – equaling Marmoush\'s output.
Ekitiké also showed his playmaking ability, creating the opening goal with a clever pass to Ansgar Knauff. The young forward\'s development continues Frankfurt\'s impressive record of nurturing top-quality strikers.
The victory, which Toppmöller called a \"statement win,\" was especially meaningful at Deutsche Bank Park, where Frankfurt\'s formidable home atmosphere has long been a significant advantage.
With Champions League qualification now firmly in sight, Frankfurt fans can look forward to hearing the prestigious tournament\'s anthem on their home pitch next season, marking a remarkable achievement despite the midseason departure of their star player.
\"They had to turn [the music] off for a minute so I could say a few things,\" Toppmöller said of his players\' jubilant post-match celebrations, highlighting the team\'s excitement while maintaining focus on the remaining fixtures.