Eintracht Frankfurt produced a stunning comeback to beat Galatasaray 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener. Jonathan Burkardt scored twice on his debut, while Can Uzun, Ansgar Knauff, and an own goal from Davinson Sánchez sealed an emphatic victory for Dino Toppmöller’s side.
Frankfurt vs Galatasaray: Champions League Clash
Eintracht Frankfurt entered the fixture looking to recover from their first Bundesliga defeat of the season against Bayer Leverkusen. The German side were quickly put under pressure as Galatasaray opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Leroy Sané set up Yunus Akgün, who finished with composure to silence the home crowd.
The early setback rattled Frankfurt, but they gradually regained control. Captain Robin Koch almost equalized with a powerful header that was cleared off the line, signaling the hosts were finding their rhythm.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Stunning First-Half Turnaround
The equalizer came in the 37th minute when Ritsu Dōan’s lob attempt was deflected by Davinson Sánchez into his own net. That goal shifted momentum firmly in Frankfurt’s favor.
Moments later, Can Uzun showcased his class with a brilliant turn and finish to make it 2-1 in stoppage time. Just two minutes later, Jonathan Burkardt, making his Champions League debut, headed in from a Fares Chaïbi free kick to give Frankfurt a 3-1 halftime lead.
Burkardt Double and Knauff Finish the Job
After the break, Frankfurt showed no signs of slowing down. In the 66th minute, Nathaniel Brown delivered a pinpoint cross that Burkardt headed home for his second goal of the night. The 25-year-old German striker celebrated his first Champions League goals in style, marking a dream debut.
The victory was capped in the 75th minute when Ansgar Knauff found the net with a clinical strike, sending the Waldstadion crowd into raptures. Frankfurt’s dominance was clear, as Galatasaray struggled to cope with their relentless attacks.
Key Champions League Facts and Stats
- Final Score: Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Galatasaray
- Scorers: Akgün (8’), Sánchez own goal (37’), Uzun (45+2’), Burkardt (45+4’, 66’), Knauff (75’)
- Can Uzun became the second-youngest Turkish player to score in the Champions League (19 years, 311 days).
- Jonathan Burkardt scored his first-ever goals in the competition on debut.
- Frankfurt are competing in the Champions League for the third time in their history.
- Galatasaray’s record vs German clubs in the Champions League: W2, D3, L8.
What’s Next for Frankfurt and Galatasaray?
Eintracht Frankfurt’s convincing 5-1 win sends a strong message to their Champions League rivals. Dino Toppmöller’s men will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming Bundesliga and European fixtures. Galatasaray, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to progress from the group stage.
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