Following the 1-1 draw in Thursday's semi-final first leg against Chelsea, Frankfurt have every chance of going through to the Europa League final. Eintracht have enjoyed some magical nights in the competition so far beating top European sides Olympic Marseille, Lazio, Inter Milan and, most recently, Benfica. In the midst of this European euphoria, Frankfurt have recently failed to achieve positive results in the league. After an outstanding start to the second half of the season with six wins on the bounce, Eintracht have only picked up two points from the last three games in the league. Nevertheless, Frankfurt are still in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next season for the first time in the club's history. The lead over rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen is currently three points and the Frankfurt club also have a better goal difference than the two teams from the Rhine. But Sunday’s game could still be very significant in determining the outcome of this season's league campaign – including for Bayer 04.
The, at times, thrilling attacking football shown by Frankfurt this season is mainly associated with three players who form a physical and technically impressive offensive trio: Luka Jovic, Ante Rebic and Sebastien Haller. While Rebic missed the first leg against Chelsea due to suspension and is therefore well rested for the game against Bayer 04, Frankfurt have worries about central striker Haller. The Frenchman has been sidelined since the start of April with a stomach muscle injury that may require an operation, and that would mean an early end to his season. To avoid that, Haller has even visited a specialist in Austria. That makes it clear: It is not easy for Frankfurt to replace the striker. Equally important for the intensive game under coach Adi Hütter are the two wingers Filip Kostic (pictured above on the left next to Luka Jovic) and Danny da Costa, who started his career at Bayer 04. Both players are responsible for the whole of their flanks and their dynamism and running ability are key elements in the success of Eintracht this season.
There is a huge question over Haller playing against the Werkself and his power up front has clearly been missing recently. Midfielder Mijat Gacinovic is also sidelined with a muscle problem. In addition to these issues for the squad there is also a lack of vitality due to the large number competitive matches and that has affected Eintracht's recent performances. After Europa League battles that cost nerves and power, Frankfurt have rarely played with freedom in the past few weeks unlike much of the Bundesliga season before that. Players like Rebic, Kostic and da Costa have played in nearly every game and have recently suffered due to a lack of energy. At least the one-match ban for Rebic gives him the chance to rest ahead of the game against Bayer 04.
First, lifting the DFB Cup, now the Europa League semi-finals at least and, under certain circumstances, the first ever qualification for the Champions League next season. There could hardly be more excitement in Frankfurt. The euphoria of the fans has spilled over onto the pitch and the supporters have been a big plus for the team. With this European run and the associated confidence levels, Frankfurt are currently able to win every game – and achieve a lot in the future: Players like Jovic, Rebic and Haller are sought-after and that could bring a lot of money into the club. Eintracht Frankfurt have the potential to be able to compete for European competitions over the long term.
Where Eintracht will end up this season depends to a large extent on the result against the Werkself. If Frankfurt secure an away win then they have every chance of qualifying for the Champions League otherwise it could be a tough battle for the team from Hessen. Mainz, who are already safe, visit the Commerzbank Arena next week but Frankfurt are away to Bayern Munich on the last day of the season with FCB still possibly involved in the title race. Frankfurt would like to have fourth place secured before the last matchday. Therefore, they have to get a positive result on Sunday.
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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