Former champions Eintracht Frankfurt had luck and efficiency on their side as they claimed a 3-1 Europa League victory at Besiktas on Thursday.
Bundesliga top scorer Omar Marmoush converted a 19th-minute penalty after being brought down by Gabriel Paulista to silence the Istanbul crowd. Dina Ebimbe made it 2-0 three minutes later, set up by Robin Koch.
Substitute Ansgar Knauff wrapped up matters in the 82nd before Arthur Masuaku got a consolation goal in stoppage time.
Koch was lucky to be on the pitch by the time of his assist because he could have been sent off in the 11th minute for seemingly tripping Ciro Immobile in a last-man incident. But the red card video review revealed that Immobile was marginally offside when he got the ball.
Koch then also got away with an unfortunate handball because Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos sensationally saved Immobile's ensuing penalty kick in the 27th.
Ten minutes later Santos, still deputising for injured Kevin Trapp, also pushed a Rafa drive against the post.
The big saves were sweet for Santos and his team, after he had not looked good when the 2022 champions squandered a two-goal lead late in their opening 3-3 draw with Viktoria Plzen last week.
This time around they did better, and settled the affair from substitute Knauff's fine strike into the left corner. Santos had made a few more big saves but should have done better on Masuaku's tight angle effort for the hosts who remain on zero points.
Frankfurt now turn their attention to a Bundesliga topper on Sunday against Bayern Munich who they will dethrone at the top if they win.
Local News
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