Bundesliga: Frankfurt Dominates Holstein Kiel with 3-1 Win

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a convincing 3-1 win over Holstein Kiel at Deutsche Bank Park, strengthening their bid for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Holstein Kiel at Deutsche Bank Park, strengthening their bid for a top-four finish. The win marked a milestone for Holstein Kiel, who became the first Bundesliga debutants to go winless in their opening 11 away matches.

Holstein Kiel had aimed to replicate their fast start from the previous weekend's match against Bochum, but their early efforts were thwarted by Frankfurt's solid defense. The visitors initially pushed forward in search of an opener, but Frankfurt soon gained control of possession and began to threaten Holstein Kiel's goal.

A deflected shot from Hugo Ekitike forced Bundesliga debutant Thomas Dahne into a fingertip save, providing a glimpse of the attacking momentum that Frankfurt would build throughout the match. This chance sparked a series of attacking opportunities for the hosts, ultimately leading to their opening goal.

Three points on home soil 🦅❤️

⏹️ 90' | #SGEKSV 3-1 | #SGE pic.twitter.com/GbC6BHf3jn

— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) February 16, 2025

Frankfurt's breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Nathaniel Brown's flicked header was expertly finished by Hugo Larsson's volley, marking the Eagles' 21st consecutive home Bundesliga game with a goal. Brown nearly added his own name to the scoresheet minutes later, but his swiveling shot from the edge of the area crashed off the post.

The hosts continued to barrage the Holstein Kiel goal, and their persistence paid off when Can Uzun's cross was volleyed into the net by the unmarked Tuta, doubling Frankfurt's lead.

Frankfurt had the opportunity to extend their lead before halftime when Ivan Nekic's handball in the area awarded Hugo Ekitike a penalty kick. However, Ekitike's bid to score his sixth goal in six games was thwarted by Thomas Dahne, who made a crucial save to deny the Frenchman.

The hosts eventually secured their third goal just before the hour mark, effectively sealing their seventh Bundesliga home win of the season. Can Uzun intercepted David Zec's loose pass and expertly curled the ball into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Dahne. This strike capped off a dominant performance by Frankfurt, who had been seeking a response after failing to win their previous three matches.

Although the defeat was already sealed, Holstein Kiel managed to find some consolation by continuing their run of scoring in every Bundesliga away game this season. Finn Porath broke into the Frankfurt area, drawing Kevin Trapp into a double save, before eventually scoring with his third attempt. This goal provided a fleeting moment of joy for the visitors, but ultimately did little to alleviate the pressure on Marcel Rapp's side.

The loss highlighted Holstein Kiel's ongoing defensive struggles, as they have now conceded two or more goals in every away game this season. This dismal record has left the Storks languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga, with plenty of work to be done if they hope to climb the table and avoid relegation.