Eintracht Frankfurt’s struggles deepened on Sunday as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Union Berlin, with Hugo Ekitike missing a stoppage time penalty. The match, pivotal for both teams, not only highlighted Frankfurt's recent challenges but also marked Union's significant win against the odds.
Frankfurt had initially taken the lead through Michy Batshuayi’s first goal for the club just 13 minutes after kickoff. After his initial shot was blocked, the ball fell perfectly for him to strike inside the left post, putting the home side 1-0 up early. "Michy Batshuayi scored with Frankfurt’s first opportunity," described reports from the match.
A lackluster first half from Union prompted coach Steffen Baumgart to make strategic adjustments at halftime. He brought on Benedict Hollerbach and Andras Schäfer to rejuvenate the team's firepower. This decision proved fruitful as Union equalized early in the second half. Just two minutes after Toppmöller sent Mario Götze and Ekitiké on, Leopold Querfeld powered his header home from Christopher Trimmel’s corner, marking his first goal for Union Berlin.
Union took advantage of their momentum and made it 2-1 with Jeong Woo-Yeong’s strike, who, just seven minutes after entering the pitch as a substitute, showcased his speed and accuracy. Scoring on the counter, he placed the ball out of reach of Frankfurt's goalkeeper, cementing the lead for Union Berlin.
Late drama ensued when VAR awarded Frankfurt a penalty after Union’s Diogo Leite was penalized for handball. Ekitike, who had the weight of the game resting on his shoulders, stepped up to take the penalty kick. Unfortunately for Frankfurt, his low shot was saved by Frederik Ronnow, Union's goalkeeper, who secured his third penalty save of the season during this match alone. His efforts not only preserved the lead but also provided Union with the much-needed confidence boost.
The defeat marked Frankfurt's third consecutive league loss, as they had previously suffered heavy defeats—4-1 to Bayer Leverkusen and 4-0 to Bayern Munich. Current standings show Frankfurt has only managed to win two of their past eight matches since the January departure of Omar Marmoush. They now sit precariously at fourth place and face increasing pressure as the Bundesliga season progresses.
Union Berlin, meanwhile, ended their three-game losing streak with this victory, moving six points clear of the relegation zone. Captain Christopher Trimmel reflected on his team’s performance, stating, "The hard part is producing these performances consistently. So I’m happy but don’t want to get carried away. It was a good step, but there’s still some way to go.” His words encapsulate the delicate balance his team must maintain to avoid slipping back toward relegation.
Adding to the day’s drama, the Bundesliga saw other results affecting its top contenders. Last-place Heidenheim drew with Hoffenheim, showing the unpredictability of the league. Prior to the weekend matches, league leaders Bayern and defending champions Bayer Leverkusen both faced defeats on March 8, 2025, setting the stage for their upcoming clash for the Champions League.
Union's coach Baumgart emphasized the need for consistency, stressing upcoming fixtures will be just as challenging. With nine rounds remaining, every point counts, and Union must capitalize on their newfound form. The next challenge will be at home as they aim to build on the momentum against other league rivals.
With the Bundesliga intensifying and teams fighting to secure their position, Sunday’s clash was yet another reminder of why football remains unpredictable. The thrill of last-minute penalties, intense crowd atmosphere, and thrilling comebacks continue to define this season.