Eintracht Frankfurt secured a crucial 3-1 victory over VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, overcoming both a recent slump and a pre-match dispute involving their own supporters.
The game, originally scheduled to start on time, was delayed by 50 minutes due to a recurring issue with a fan banner blocking an emergency exit in the guest section.
After three consecutive Bundesliga defeats, Eintracht Frankfurt got back on track with a dominant performance.
Just days after their emphatic 4-1 Europa League win against Ajax Amsterdam, goals from Rasmus Kristensen (27’), Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (32’), and Michy Batshuayi (90’+6) sealed the win for Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, Bochum, fresh off a surprise 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich, managed only a consolation goal through Gerrit Holtmann (73’).
With this win, Frankfurt sits in fourth place with 45 points, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Bochum, however, remains in the relegation zone, five points away from safety.
Fan Protest Causes Major Delay
Before kickoff, a controversy erupted when Frankfurt’s ultras refused to remove a banner that was obstructing an emergency exit.
This led to a significant delay, as referee Felix Zwayer sent both teams back to the dressing rooms.
Eintracht’s Sporting Director, Markus Krösche, ultimately persuaded the fans to take down the banner, allowing the game to proceed.
However, many Frankfurt ultras left the stadium in protest, leading to a subdued atmosphere from the away supporters.
Bochum started the match aggressively but struggled to convert their chances. In contrast, Frankfurt capitalized on their opportunities, with Kristensen scoring from a rebound and Bahoya finishing off a well-worked play assisted by Hugo Ekitiké.
Kaua Santos, standing in for the injured Kevin Trapp in goal for Frankfurt, made crucial saves throughout the match, denying Bochum any chance of a comeback.
Though Holtmann pulled one back, Frankfurt wrapped up the win in stoppage time with Batshuayi’s strike.
This result strengthens Eintracht’s push for a top-four finish, while Bochum faces an uphill battle to secure Bundesliga survival.
