UCL: Eintracht Frankfurt Thrash Galatasaray 5-1 in Champions League Opener

Five-Star Frankfurt dominate Galatasaray in UEFA Champions League

Eintracht Frankfurt kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a stunning 5-1 victory over Galatasaray. Read more.

Frankfurt's momentum continued as Jonathan Burkardt rose highest to head home Fares Chaibi's free-kick...

 

Eintracht Frankfurt kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a stunning 5-1 win over Galatasaray, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork. This impressive victory puts them at the top of the table after the first round of fixtures. Galatasaray, on the other hand, has now lost seven consecutive away games in European competitions.

Despite entering the game on a five-match winning streak with only one goal conceded, Galatasaray struggled to maintain their form against Frankfurt's relentless attack. Okan Buruk's side took the lead early on, with Yunus Akgün scoring a clinical left-footed strike in the 8th minute. However, they couldn't sustain their momentum, and Frankfurt's determined efforts paid off in the second half.

Frankfurt's Jonathan Burkardt was named Man of the Match, scoring two goals, including a well-timed header just before halftime. Other key players who contributed to Frankfurt's victory include Can Uzun, who scored a superb goal on his Champions League debut, and Ansgar Knauff, who sealed the win with a decisive goal in the 75th minute.

The visitors took the lead after eight minutes with a well-placed shot. Yunus Akgun scored with a clinical left-footed strike across goal that nestled in the bottom-right corner, catching the home team's defense off guard.

Despite controlling much of the first half, the home team failed to maintain their lead, conceding just before halftime. This unexpected turn of events shifted momentum in favor of the visitors, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

Davinson Sanchez's unfortunate deflection sent Ritsu Doan's shot past Ugurcan Cakir, altering the game's course. However, just before halftime, Frankfurt dramatically turned the tables with two quick goals. Can Uzun scored with a powerful shot into the roof of the net from just inside the penalty area in the second minute of added time.

Frankfurt's momentum continued as Jonathan Burkardt rose highest to head home Fares Chaibi's free-kick, adding a third goal just before halftime. Burkardt's precise header into the right side of the goal showcased Frankfurt's clinical finishing and put them in control heading into the break.

Frankfurt impress against Galatasaray 🦅#UCL pic.twitter.com/PNjveBc3lr

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 18, 2025

Galatasaray had a golden opportunity to get back into the game at the hour mark. Baris Yilmaz played a low ball into the six-yard box, but Ilkay Gundogan's effort from close range was straight at goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, denying Galatasaray a crucial goal.

Galatasaray's missed chance was costly, as Frankfurt scored their fourth goal just six minutes later. Jonathan Burkardt headed in his second goal of the game, which took a significant deflection off Sanchez, aiding the ball's trajectory into the net. This goal further solidified Frankfurt's lead and put pressure on Galatasaray to mount a comeback.

Galatasaray's situation worsened as they conceded a fifth goal with 15 minutes remaining. Ansgar Knauff scored for Frankfurt after Gabriel Sara lost possession on the edge of his own penalty area, capitalizing on the turnover to seal the win.

👐 ᴡᴀʜɴꜱɪɴɴ beschreibt es ganz gut, Jonny!
––––– #SGEGS 5:1 | #SGE | #UCL pic.twitter.com/BZ1J8aO474

— Eintracht Frankfurt (@Eintracht) September 18, 2025

With their lead secure, Frankfurt comfortably saw out the game, earning a convincing 5-1 victory. This stunning win lifted them to the top of the table after the first round of fixtures, showcasing their strong start to the campaign.