Aberdeen beaten by Frankfurt in Europa Conference League
Considered heavy outsiders heading into the clash against Eintracht, Aberdeen looked as if they would be in for a chastening first half when the home side took the lead after just 11 minutes.
The 2021/22 Europa League winners were gifted the chance to edge in front, when Jack McKenzie bundled down Éric Dina Ebimbe inside the penalty area, allowing dangerman Omar Marmoush to stroll up and stroke home from 12 yards.
Perhaps startled by the occasion, it’s no surprise Aberdeen needed a moment to acclimatise to the big stage.
But when they’d settled into their rhythm, the Scottish side began causing problems of their own, with Dante Polvara eventually levelling things up midway through the half.
Finishing off a lightning counter-attack, the striker’s thunderous strike left goalkeeper Kevin Trapp with little chance of making a save, much to the delight of the 3,000 traveling fans cooped into the far corner of the Deutsche Bank Park.
While the Dons faithful were ecstatic at the break, the displeasure with their side’s performance was clear to hear from the home crowd as the two sets of players trudged off at HT in the lashing down rain.
Looking to make amends for their lackadaisical first-half showing, the Bundesliga outfit bounced back in the second period, regaining their advantage with a well-worked corner kick.
Substitute Farès Chaïbi delivered a wicked ball into the penalty area, with on-loan Leeds United defender Robin Koch on hand to guide a header into the far left corner.
In truth, it’s a harsh outcome for Aberdeen, who in the end, have been undone by a set piece against a European regular in the opening group game.
The four-time Scottish champions will fancy their chances in the next UECL outing against HJK Helsinki, but such is the ruthlessness of European competition, failure to take any points home from Frankfurt will likely damage their hopes of progressing into the knockouts.
As for Eintracht, it was a scrappy win, but manager Toppmöller will care little given his side’s start to the Bundesliga season.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)
