Knauff stars as Frankfurt thrash Leipzig | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt - RB Leipzig | matchday 31 | match report | highlights

Eintracht Frankfurt dominated RB Leipzig in a clash that had huge implications for the Champions League places, winning 4-0 with Ansgar Knauff scoring twice.

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In a high-stakes encounter at Deutsche Bank Park, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig locked horns in a battle for Champions League qualification. The Eagles entered the match in third place, just three points ahead of their fourth-placed opponents and knowing that a win would leave them in a glorious position.

Knauff scored more goals in this game than in the entire rest of the season. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV)

The match began with both teams showing intent, but it was Frankfurt who drew first blood. In the 21st minute, Hugo Ekitiké orchestrated a swift counter-attack, threading a precise pass to Ansgar Knauff. The young German made no mistake, slotting home with composure to give the hosts the lead. Frankfurt continued to press, with Tuta coming close with a header from a corner that forced a save from the Leipzig goalkeeper. The visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Benjamin Šeško's long-range effort their only notable attempt. The Eagles took their 1-0 advantage into the break, having shown more attacking threat despite Leipzig's greater possession.

Bitshiabu's red card opened the floodgates. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV)

The second half began with Leipzig introducing Loïs Openda, hoping to turn the tide. However, the game took a decisive turn in the 50th minute when Leipzig's El Chadaille Bitshiabu received a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity to Knauff. This setback was compounded just three minutes later when Knauff struck again, capitalising on the free-kick situation to volley home and double Frankfurt's lead. With the numerical advantage, Frankfurt began to dominate proceedings. In the 67th minute, Hugo Ekitiké added his name to the scoresheet, heading home a precise cross from Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. The rout was completed in the 71st minute when Robin Koch rose highest to nod in a corner, sealing an emphatic 4-0 victory for the home side.

Ekitiké once again showed why so many clubs are interested in signing him this summer. (XX / DFL/Getty Images/Lukas Schulze)

Player of the Match: Ansgar Knauff

Knauff delivered a stellar performance that epitomised Frankfurt's dominance. The young winger was a constant threat, scoring twice and causing havoc in Leipzig's defence. His first goal showcased his clinical finishing, while his second demonstrated his predatory instincts. Knauff's movement, pace, and link-up play with Ekitiké were instrumental in Frankfurt's attacking fluidity and he also won the free-kick that saw Bitshiabu sent off.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Frankfurt 2.19 - Leipzig 0.41Fastest player: Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), 34.7 km/hLowest goal probability: 2-0 by Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 15.93 per centMost pressed player: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), 23 times under pressurePass efficiency: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), +4.25

Fantasy Heroes: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt, 398 Points), Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt, 265 Points), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt, 264 Points)

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