Eintracht Frankfurt delivered a stunning performance at the Deutsche Bank Park, overwhelming SC Freiburg with a convincing 4-1 victory on January 14, 2025. The matchup not only highlighted Frankfurt's attacking prowess but also positioned them firmly within the Bundesliga standings.
The game saw early excitement as Freiburg took the unexpected lead, with Ritsu Doan netting the first goal of the match in the 37th minute. After receiving a pass from his teammate Merlin Röhl, Doan struck from close range, silencing the home crowd momentarily. But Eintracht Frankfurt, driven by the talented Omar Marmoush, responded with vigor just before half-time.
Robin Koch, former Freiburg player, was on the receiving end of Marmoush's accurate corner and headed it past the Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu to equalize just before the break, leaving the score at 1-1 as teams headed to the dressing rooms.
The second half marked a dramatic shift as Frankfurt dominated the field, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring chances. The breakthrough came from Marmoush himself. He made it 2-1 in the 65th minute, finding the net after his initial attempt had been blocked. His determination and skill were evident as he scored the goal, celebrated with the fans, and shared kisses with supporters, showcasing his connection with the club.
Just six minutes later, Hugo Ekitiké added another for Frankfurt, showing excellent pace and finishing by capitalizing on Mario Götze's precise through ball. Ekitiké's confident strike ensured the hosts were well on their way to victory.
Finally, Nnamdi Collins put the icing on the cake with the fourth goal of the evening, rounding off an emphatic win for the home side. Collins demonstrated solid attacking instincts, deftly nudging the ball home from close range, contributing significantly to the 4-1 scoreline.
Player of the match, Omar Marmoush, not only scored but also provided two assists, making him integral to Frankfurt's success. With this victory, Marmoush reached his 15th goal of the season, setting a new club record for goals scored within the first half of the Bundesliga campaign. The Egyptian forward, whose future with Eintracht has sparked transfer discussions with Manchester City, proved his worth on the pitch at what could possibly be his last game for the team.
After the match, Eintracht's sporting director Markus Krösche acknowledged the transfer talks surrounding Marmoush but remained non-committal, stating, “There is interest from one club, but more can’t be said right now,” emphasizing Marmoush's value and character as he confirmed, “He is an outstanding person and player. Why shouldn’t he continue playing?”
The win against Freiburg propelled Eintracht Frankfurt to three points behind Bundesliga leaders, and they secured their position at third place, marking their best-ever points tally at this stage of the season.
With fans remaining optimistic about retaining their star player, the focus now shifts to Frankfurt’s next fixture against Borussia Dortmund on January 17, where they hope to build on their momentum. For Freiburg, disappointment lingers, as their lead was short-lived, and they must regroup before their upcoming match against Stuttgart on January 18.