Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages were dashed in dramatic fashion as they fell 3-2 to Qarabağ FK in Baku, just days after parting ways with coach Dino Toppmöller.
The Hessen side, under interim manager Dennis Schmitt, endured a disastrous start in what was effectively a must-win clash for both teams.
Within four minutes, Qarabağ struck first. Elvin Jafarguliyev and Abdella Zoubir combined to set up Camilo Duran, who bundled the ball over the line, leaving Frankfurt stunned.
The German visitors, arriving in Baku only around 10pm the previous night, responded swiftly. Can Uzun seized the ball in an advanced position and curled a fine effort from 16 yards into the bottom-left corner, restoring parity.
Uzun came close to repeating the feat moments later, but Qarabağ keeper Mateusz Kochalski was equal to the attempt.
Ritsu Dōan also went close, narrowly missing from a precise Hugo Larsson delivery just before the half-hour mark.
The home side ended the first half strongly, creating two excellent chances in quick succession. Kauã Santos kept Duran’s strike out with a superb save, and Nathaniel Brown did well to divert Leandro Andrade’s shot over the crossbar.
The second half began with a series of injury interruptions. Brown took a heavy knock to his knee, while Rasmus Kristensen required treatment after colliding with Jafarguliyev.
The match settled into a cautious rhythm as both teams looked to protect their positions. Frankfurt’s next shot on target came only on the 65th minute, a tame effort from Dōan.
The game exploded in the final quarter-hour. Bahlul Mustafazada’s foul on Ansgar Knauff handed Frankfurt a lifeline from the penalty spot, and substitute Farès Chaïbi calmly converted to make it 2-1.
Yet, Qarabağ responded immediately. Just three minutes later, Jafarguliyev’s low cross found Duran, who tapped home to level the score.
With the clock running down, both sides threw everything forward, but it was the hosts who had the final say.
In injury time, Mustafazada capitalized on Frankfurt’s fragile defense to score the decisive goal, sealing a stunning 3-2 victory and ending the German club’s Champions League campaign.
