Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0 Slovácko: Frankfurt prevail in UEFA Women’s Europa Cup debut

Eintracht Frankfurt took a huge step toward qualifying for the knockout stage of the inaugural competition.

Niko Arnautis’ side beat one of the three Czechia representatives, Slovácko, 4-0 in the first-leg of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup second qualifying round. Both teams entered the inaugural competition at this stage with a place in the last 16 at stake.

The hosts presented with a golden chance inside the first two minutes when Slovácko’s goalie Anežka Zelenková fouled Nicole Anyomi inside the box. Germany international Elisa Senß stepped up to score her third goal in two games.

Five minutes later, Erëleta Memeti’s deflected shot hit the woodwork. Anyomi was also close to scoring before the second goal arrived in the 15th minute. Laura Freigang provided the finishing touch from a pinpoint delivery by the lively Pia-Sophie Wolter.

Frankfurt should’ve added more first-half goals considering the quality of chances Anyomi, Amanda Ilestedt, and Géraldine Reuteler squandered after the second goal. With Slovácko struggling to create anything of note at the other end, the trend continues after the restart.

The much-needed third goal only arrived ten minutes before the end. Nina Lührßen scored from a direct free-kick when everyone expected her to deliver a cross to teammates. A couple of minutes later, substitute Remina Chiba forced an own-goal.

Before the return leg in Norway, Frankfurt will travel to SC Freiburg for Sunday’s Frauen-Bundesliga fixture. If they maintain their overwhelming advantage, they will be in next week’s UEFA Women’s Europa Cup Round of 16 draw. Including the final itself, the inaugural tournament will only have a two-legged knockout format.