Frankfurt Edges Cologne in Seven-Goal Thriller at RheinEnergieSTADION
Cologne, Germany — Eintracht Frankfurt emerged victorious in a pulsating 4-3 win over FC Cologne at RheinEnergieSTADION on Saturday, overcoming an early deficit in a match that showcased attacking football at its finest.
The home side delighted their supporters with an early breakthrough when Jakub Kaminski fired Cologne ahead in just the 4th minute. The Polish winger's right-footed effort from the left side of the box found the top right corner after being set up by Ragnar Ache, with the goal confirmed following a VAR review. The early advantage energized the Cologne faithful, but their celebrations would be short-lived.
Frankfurt responded with determination and found their equalizer in the 39th minute when Arthur Theate rose highest to meet Farès Chaïbi's precise cross following a corner kick. The Belgian defender's powerful header from the left side of the six-yard box nestled into the top left corner, silencing the home crowd. The visitors completed their first-half comeback deep into stoppage time when Mahmoud Dahoud struck in the sixth minute of added time, his left-footed shot from the center of the box finding the bottom right corner to give Frankfurt a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half saw Jonathan Burkardt take center stage for Frankfurt with a devastating four-minute double that appeared to put the game beyond Cologne's reach. His first came in the 59th minute with a left-footed finish from close range after being teed up by Ritsu Doan. Burkardt wasn't finished, adding his second and Frankfurt's fourth in the 63rd minute, capping off a lightning-fast break with a right-footed shot to the high center of the goal following Ansgar Knauff's assist.
Trailing by three goals, Cologne showed remarkable resilience as they mounted a spirited comeback attempt. Marius Bülter rekindled hope for the hosts in the 83rd minute with a left-footed strike from the center of the box. The drama continued into stoppage time when substitute Luca Waldschmidt, who had replaced Denis Huseinbasic in the 76th minute, connected with Saïd El Mala's cross to power a header into the bottom right corner in the fourth minute of added time.
Despite their valiant late surge, time ran out on Cologne's comeback bid as Frankfurt held firm in the final moments to secure all three points in this breathtaking Bundesliga encounter. The victory showcased Frankfurt's clinical finishing and attacking prowess, while Cologne's fighting spirit earned them admiration despite the defeat.