Eintracht Frankfurt remarkably secured their place in the Europa League Viertelfinale after a commanding 4-1 victory against Ajax Amsterdam, solidifying the triumph by winning both legs of the knockout tie.
The match, held at Deutsche Bank Park on March 13, 2025, showcased Frankfurt's offensive prowess as they built on their 2-1 win from the first leg. Early on, Jean-Matteo Bahoya netted his first goal for the club, taking the lead just seven minutes into the game with a precise low shot from just inside the box after displaying composure and skill.
Mario Götze, the World Cup winner, added to the scoreline with goals at the 25th and 82nd minutes, the latter being particularly stunning—a spectacular shot from 40 meters, lofting it over the Ajax goalkeeper Matheus, who had ventured too far from his goal.
Hugo Ekitiké contributed to the rout with Frankfurt's third goal, scoring with finesse from 16 meters after connecting with Bahoya’s pass, highlighting the young star's growing influence on the team’s performance.
Ajax managed to score through Kenneth Taylor, who found the net with slimmer opportunities, illustrating the Dutch side's struggles throughout the match. Frankfurt, under coach Dino Toppmöller, maintained strict control of the game, consistently pressing and executing their strategies effectively.
The buildup to the match included challenges, as Eintracht Frankfurt had to face the game without regular goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who missed out due to injury. Kaua Santos, who was thrust under pressure, filled the role admirably, showcasing his abilities with timely saves and command over the penalty box.
After the match, Götze reflected on the significance of the victory, saying, "Wir nehmen es, wie es kommt," emphasizing the team’s focus and readiness for future challenges. The win allowed them to accumulate confidence with difficult fixtures on the horizon.
Markus Krösche, sporting director of Eintracht, shared his thoughts, stating, "Wir wollten vor schwierigen Wochen Selbstvertrauen tanken, das ist uns gelungen, es freut mich für die Mannschaft," underscoring the importance of belief as they progress through several upcoming matches.
Despite the defeat, Ajax had hoped to achieve greater ambition within the Europa League, but numerous player rotations—making ten changes since the previous outing—left their squad underwhelming. Coach Francesco Farioli's decision to rest many key players meant they lacked the necessary rhythm, which Frankfurt exploited efficiently.
The victory marks Frankfurt's return to the quarterfinals of the Europa League for the first time since their triumph three years earlier, with aspirations to seek another title. The team now awaits the results of the meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar, as they will face the winner of this matchup.
Fans at the packed stadium expressed their delight, chanting and celebrating the team's return to European football's elite. With their focus firmly on the next round, Frankfurt demonstrated they can still rely on clinical finisher like Götze and exciting young talents like Bahoya as they look to build on their impressive performance.