Eintracht Frankfurt loses at Union Berlin after taking the lead, conceding late equalizer

Frankfurt sleepwalk through the finish

Shortly after the break, the momentum appeared to swing back in Frankfurt's favor. Tim Skarke, one of the standout players in the Frankfurt game, put the visitors 2:1 up. Frankfurt's supporters were allowed to hope for a first away win under the new-look squad, particularly as the team had undergone significant personnel changes in the previous weeks.

But Frankfurt effectively handed the victory away in the closing stages. In the final minutes, the defense lost its shape, and a turnover in midfield launched the Berlin counter. In the end, the 2:2 result feels like a defeat from a Frankfurt perspective. The team coached by Adi Hütter is unhappy with the manner of the dropped points, especially as their weaknesses from set-pieces had already been a talking point in recent weeks.

Zetterer set for move to Leeds

Parallel to events on the pitch, the Michael Zetterer situation is dominating Frankfurt headlines. The backup goalkeeper is on the verge of a move to English second-division side Leeds United. The background is the arrival of Noah Atubolu, who is set to become Frankfurt's new number one between the posts. Zetterer, who stepped in on several occasions last season, is expected to leave the club on deadline evening.

Frankfurt head coach Adi Hütter, who only recently took charge, had emphasized in an earlier statement the importance of clear hierarchies in the goalkeeping position. "Deshalb ist ein Torhüter, bei dem du weißt, dass er eine klare Nummer eins ist, sehr, sehr wichtig für eine Fußballmannschaft", is the quote from the report on Zetterer's impending move to Leeds. Atubolu is expected to fill that role on a long-term basis.

Pressure on Hütter ahead of the international break

For Frankfurt, the dropped points in Berlin increase the pressure ahead of the upcoming fixtures. The draw sees the team slide further down the middle of the table, with the gap to the European places growing. Coach Hütter must use the international break to work above all on defensive organization and transitions, before a first home win of the season becomes a must on the matchday after next.

On deadline evening itself, Frankfurt's squad planners in Hessen remain busy. Alongside Zetterer's departure, further changes to the squad could materialize should an opportunity arise in the transfer market. At Union Berlin, meanwhile, who have gained confidence from picking up the point, attention turns to the upcoming away fixture.

The late equalizer in Berlin came during a phase in which Frankfurt already had two new signings in the starting lineup. According to the Hessen analysis, the team lacked match sharpness. After the game, Hütter pointed to the lack of consistency over ninety minutes and announced talks with the squad.

Statistically, it is worth noting that Frankfurt dominated the opposition for long stretches but failed to create clear-cut chances from open play. Both goals conceded came from situations that were, from Frankfurt's point of view, avoidable. The 2:2 final score only partially reflects the run of play.