UEL: Eintracht Frankfurt Come from Behind to Down Ajax in Europa League

Eintracht Frankfurt Come from Behind to Down Ajax in Europa League came from behind to beat Ajax 2-1 in the Europa League, with Larsson and Skhiri scoring in the second half to give the German side a narrow lead ahead of the return leg.

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 tie, marking the Dutch side's second-ever home loss to German opposition. This was the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

Ajax sought to overcome their poor recent home record in major European knockout competitions, where they had failed to win in six consecutive matches. However, it was Eintracht Frankfurt who ultimately emerged victorious, despite Ajax's strong start. Francesco Farioli's side began the match with intensity, and Brian Brobbey nearly extended his goal-scoring streak in home games with a drilled effort from distance that struck the post inside two minutes.

Ajax's early pressure eventually paid off in the 10th minute, as Jordan Henderson's whipped ball to the far post was met by Brobbey's powerful header, which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.

After falling behind, Eintracht Frankfurt responded swiftly and nearly equalized immediately. Hugo Ekitike combined with Ansgar Knauff, who sprinted through on goal, only to be denied by Remko Pasveer's timely intervention.

Frankfurt continued to press for an equalizer, and their persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark. A clever short free-kick routine saw Mario Gotze pick out Hugo Larsson, who took a touch before unleashing a powerful, pinpoint shot from distance that found the back of the net.

Both teams created opportunities for a second goal before halftime, but neither could capitalize. Kenneth Taylor was denied, while Larsson attempted another long-range shot, only to see it saved this time. Ajax began the second half with renewed intensity, and Brian Brobbey came close to restoring their lead after racing through on goal, but Kevin Trapp made a crucial save to deny him.

Comeback win for Frankfurt 🦅#UEL pic.twitter.com/jez0hKaK6N

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 6, 2025

Eintracht Frankfurt, also known as Die Adler, took time to gain momentum in the second half, but when they did, they turned the tie around. In the 70th minute, Ansgar Knauff drove into the Ajax box and squared the ball for Ellyes Skhiri, who swept the ball home to give Frankfurt the lead.

Francesco Farioli's Ajax side struggled to mount a comeback against the German outfit, despite the Italian coach making four substitutions in the second half. Instead, Frankfurt comfortably navigated the final 20 minutes, securing a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg ahead of next week's return match in Frankfurt.