Eintracht Frankfurt overturned an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory over Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 encounter, marking only the Dutch side’s second-ever home defeat to German opposition.
Ajax entered the tie aware of their struggles in knockout-stage home games in major European competitions, having gone six matches without a victory (D3, L3). Determined to change that, Francesco Farioli’s side started on the front foot in Amsterdam.
Brian Brobbey, in red-hot form with goals in his last three home appearances, wasted no time in making his presence felt. Within two minutes, he unleashed a powerful strike from distance that crashed off the post.
His persistence paid off in the 10th minute when he met Jordan Henderson’s expertly delivered cross at the far post, nodding in a commanding header to give Ajax the lead.
Frankfurt responded positively to the setback, nearly drawing level immediately as Hugo Ekitike combined with Ansgar Knauff, who sprinted into the box but saw his effort blocked by Remko Pasveer.
The visitors’ attacking intent eventually bore fruit just before the half-hour mark. A well-executed short free-kick saw Mario Götze tee up Hugo Larsson, who took a composed touch before unleashing a stunning long-range strike into the net.
Both teams pushed for a second before halftime. Kenneth Taylor came close for Ajax, while Larsson, buoyed by his earlier goal, tested Pasveer again from distance, but this time the goalkeeper was equal to the effort.
The hosts began the second half brightly once more, with Brobbey racing through on goal in search of his second of the night.
However, Kevin Trapp was on hand to thwart him and keep Frankfurt level.
Die Adler took their time settling into the second period, but when they did, they turned the game around completely.
In the 70th minute, Knauff burst into the Ajax penalty area and laid off a precise pass for Ellyes Skhiri, who calmly slotted home to put Frankfurt ahead.
Farioli made four second-half substitutions in an attempt to spark a comeback, but Ajax struggled to break down their disciplined German opponents.
Instead, Frankfurt controlled the closing stages, ensuring they headed into next week’s decisive second leg in Frankfurt with a crucial advantage.
