Eintracht Frankfurt Stages Stunning Comeback to Edge Past Ajax, Securing Slim Advantage for Home Leg

In their inaugural encounter, Eintracht Frankfurt rallied from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory against Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash, inflicting only the second loss ever for the Dutch club at home to German teams.

Ajax entered the fixture aware of their struggles, having not won any of their last six home matches in the knockout phases of a prominent European competition (D3, L3). However, Francesco Farioli’s squad began with fervour in Amsterdam.

Brian Brobbey, who scored in his last three home outings, was determined to continue that trend and nearly did so within two minutes, striking a fierce shot from distance that smashed off the post.

In the 10th minute, a perfectly curled ball from Jordan Henderson to the far post was met with a powerful header from Brobbey, who put Ajax ahead.

Frankfurt reacted promptly to going behind, nearly drawing level straight away as Hugo Ekitike combined with Ansgar Knauff; however, Knauff’s attempt on goal was thwarted by Remko Pasveer.

The visitors pressed on in their pursuit of a goal and found the equaliser just before the half-hour mark.

A clever short free-kick routine allowed Mario Gotze to set up Hugo Larsson, who controlled the ball before unleashing a pinpoint shot from outside the area.

Both teams had opportunities to net again before half-time; Kenneth Taylor was denied a good chance, while Larsson’s long-range strike was saved.

Ajax made a bright start to the second half; Brobbey came close to restoring their lead when he broke through on goal, but Kevin Trapp blocked his effort.

Die Adler took their time to find their rhythm in the second half, but once they did, they turned the match around. In the 70th minute, Knauff drove into the Ajax penalty area and laid the ball off for Ellyes Skhiri, who finished clinically.

Despite Farioli making four substitutions during the second half, Ajax struggled to regain control against the robust German side.

As the match drew to a close, Die Adler comfortably managed the remaining minutes, carrying a narrow lead into the return leg next week in Frankfurt.