Eintracht Frankfurt Beats HSV 3-1 in DFB-Pokal

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a 3–1 victory over Hamburger SV at the Volksparkstadion on Tuesday in the DFB-Pokal second round, advancing to the round of last sixteen. Goals from captain Robin Koch, Jonathan Burkardt, and Younes Ebnoutalib turned the fixture around after a scoreless first half. Terem Moffi netted a late response for the hosts, but the Bundesliga side ultimately sealed their progression. Eintracht Frankfurt stands in the DFB-Pokal round of last sixteen after the team led by coach Adi Hütter claimed a 3–1 (0:0) win in the Bundesliga duel at Hamburger SV. SGE captain Robin Koch headed the Hessians in front (56th), before Jonathan Burkardt (71st) and Younes Ebnoutalib (75th) established a decisive advantage with a quick double strike, leaving Hamburg’s late goal by Terem Moffi (79th) as mere consolation. Eintracht Frankfurt has successfully reached the DFB-Pokal round of last sixteen, quietly dreaming of the club’s sixth cup title during difficult weeks. The team led by coach Adi Hütter won the top-flight matchup 3–1 (0:0) at Hamburger SV, silencing the Volkspark stadium and delivering another setback to an HSV side that remained competitive for only one half. Hütter described it as an “important match” and noted his team was “prepared,” while midfielder Mario Götze stated, We did well, adding, Naturally it was clearly too little in the first half, but toward the end, especially in the second half, we did very, very well, and concluding that Frankfurt is overall on a good path. The cup holders from 2018 played quite passably three days after a 0–1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

Volksparkstadion Battle Unfolds

The fixture at the Volksparkstadion began with Hamburger SV applying early pressure despite a significant injury list, entering the match in front of 57,000 spectators full of confidence despite missing seven professionals—including playmaker Fábio Vieira, new signing Bilal Nadir (both suffering thigh injuries), and Yussuf Poulsen (hip issues) following their league defeat over the weekend. HSV coach Merlin Polzin stated shortly before kickoff on RTL, We are extremely up for the competition with the guys who are here. They have full confidence. The wounded Hamburg side had lost 0–1 away to league newcomer Paderborn over the weekend. Until the halftime whistle, Frankfurt made the game, while the hosts held better opportunities via counterattacks but failed to execute them well. Terem Moffi missed a free opportunity in the 22nd minute, Zakaria El Ouahdi saw his powerful effort stopped by Eintracht goalkeeper Noah Atubolu in the 24th minute, and Albert Grønbæk narrowly missed the target in the 29th minute, poking the ball past the far post from seven meters. Sebastiaan Bornauw also missed the chance to give Hamburg the lead shortly before the break, heading over the bar from close range while completely unmarked in the 42nd minute. Halftime discussions at the Volksparkstadion revolved around an incident in the 35th minute, as the absence of a VAR intervention when El Ouahdi was knocked down in the penalty area by Eintracht defender Koch caused incomprehension on the Hamburg side.

Second-Half Breakthroughs Decide the Tie

Eintracht Frankfurt seized control after the interval. In the 56th minute, Jonathan Burkardt directed a high cross toward the far post with a header, allowing captain Robin Koch to convert from close range following a corner kick. Burkardt added a second goal himself in the 71st minute, chesting down a high ball before finishing past the Hamburg defense. Younes Ebnoutalib extended the lead to 3–1 in the 75th minute. In the second half, the visitors took command and were quickly rewarded when Koch pushed a perfect headed assist from Burkardt across the line following a Uzun cross. The second-round exit against the struggling Hessians proved disappointing for the hosts.

Frankfurt ICE-COLD up north! | Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Frankfurt | Highlights | DFB-Pokal 2

Hamburg Closes Gap Too Late

Terem Moffi scored in the 79th minute, reducing the deficit to 3–1. However, earlier missed chances—including Moffi misjudging a free opportunity in the 22nd minute and missing an open goal with a close-range header in the 64th minute, alongside Grønbæk missing in the 70th minute—proved costly for the hosts as Eintracht managed the remaining minutes.

Next Meeting in the Bundesliga

Both teams return to league action quickly. Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburger SV face each other again on Sunday at 17:30 local time in Frankfurt, providing Hamburg an immediate opportunity for recovery following their cup elimination.