Eintracht Frankfurt has taken the lead early in the 2024-2025 Frauen-Bundesliga season, asserting its title ambitions with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen. This high-stakes match showcased not only individual talents but also the broader competitiveness of the league during its current season.
The game, held on January 31, 2025, saw Frankfurt's Sara Doorsoun open the scoring with a penalty just 22 minutes in. Leverkusen's Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir equalized moments later, but Frankfurt's Nicole Anyomi quickly restored their lead. The second half was equally dramatic, with Leverkusen's Katharina Piljic equalizing once again before Geraldine Reuteler clinched the victory for the home side with her goal shortly after. This win allows Eintracht to maintain the top position on the league table as they fend off competition from Bayern Munich and others, who are closely trailing.
The Frauen-Bundesliga has been enjoying notable growth, as highlighted by the DFB's recent report released on January 31, 2025, detailing significant increases in revenues and attendance over the last year. Total earnings rose to over 31 million euros, surpassing last season's records of approximately 25 million euros, demonstrating the growing commercial viability of women’s football.
DFB Vice President Sabine Mammitzsch expressed satisfaction with the report, stating, "The development is going in the right direction." She notes the surge is attributed to improved advertising revenues, sponsorship deals, and viewer engagement through televised matches. The league saw record attendances, with nearly 380,000 fans attending games during the 22 matchdays, marking considerable growth from the previous season's figures.
Earnings per club average around 2.65 million euros. The league's commitment to professionalism is paying off, yet the collective clubs still registered negative outcomes, amounting to 1.9 million euros this season, compared to 1.78 million euros last season. This financial loss, according to the DFB, is viewed as an investment for future growth and the overall elevation of women’s football.
The increase in viewer interest is noteworthy. Last season saw matches broadcast on platforms like MagentaSport, DAZN, and selected games on ZDF and ARD, attracting approximately 390,000 viewers per game. This was a significant rise from around 240,000 the previous season, highlighting the increasing popularity of the Frauen-Bundesliga.
Within the league, the competitive nature has intensified as Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and VfL Wolfsburg all vie for the championship. Frankfurt's coach, Niko Arnautis, has expressed confidence, saying, "We have earned this spot," emphasizing their club's fantastic performance metrics, including being the strongest offense and the best defense mid-season.
While Eintracht leads the charge, the reigning champions Bayern Munich are closely following, showing their prowess with offensive strength, particularly during set pieces and counter-attacks. They have maintained one of the highest passing and attacking efficiency rates, making them formidable contenders.
Leverkusen is also making waves, establishing itself as the surprise package among the title contenders. The Bayer women showcase exceptional pressing tactics and the second-best defense, though concerns linger about their ball retention skills during high-pressure situations. Conversely, Wolfsburg, armed with experienced international players, aims to regain form after lacking goal-scoring efficiency early this season.
Looking forward, many are eagerly anticipating how these teams will navigate their remaining matches, especially as they compete for precious points heading toward the season's conclusion. The dynamics between established clubs like Wolfsburg and Bayern and the up-and-coming forces of Eintracht and Leverkusen promise engaging encounters as they all aim for the title.
Doorsoun, currently with Eintracht Frankfurt and previously with Wolfsburg, reflected on her experiences, noting how every team stands the chance against another this season: "Every team can beat any other, which is what makes this season particularly exciting." With the league showcasing unprecedented competitiveness, the stage is set for thrilling football as the Frauen-Bundesliga continues to capture new audiences and help grow the sport.
The excitement around the season is mounting as it leads toward the final stages, with key matches scheduled and the anticipation among fans and teams alike reaching new heights.