Hugo Ekitike produced a goal and an assist as Eintracht Frankfurt triumphed 3-0 over struggling Heidenheim on Sunday, maintaining their strong push for Champions League qualification.
With their Europa League quarter-final return leg against Tottenham approaching, Frankfurt were in full control against Heidenheim, who remain near the foot of the Bundesliga table.
Ekitike played a pivotal role in the opening goal after just 10 minutes. The French forward surged on the counterattack, slipping a ball to Fares Chaibi, who sliced through the defence and provided a simple tap-in for Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
In the 42nd minute, Ekitike’s deft touch allowed him to control an Arthur Theate pass before slipping the ball to Robin Koch, whose clinical finish found the bottom corner, putting Frankfurt 2-0 up.
Frankfurt sealed the win in the 71st minute. Mario Götze, who had been introduced just a minute earlier, controlled a ball from Ekitike and linked up with Chaibi, whose pass across the face of a goal set up Ekitike for an easy tap-in from close range.
The 22-year-old has now registered 21 goals and nine assists this season, taking on an even greater role since the departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s Europa League clash with Tottenham, Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller told DAZN that he would give his players the day off on Monday to recharge.
“We need to enjoy this moment today, then take some distance from football for a day,” said the 44-year-old. “Then, the anticipation will rise, and we can get back to preparing for Thursday’s game to reach the Europa League semi-finals.”
The win lifted Frankfurt to third in the Bundesliga, five points clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, as they remain on course for their first-ever Champions League qualification via the league.
Meanwhile, Heidenheim’s defeat leaves them in the relegation playoff spot, seven points adrift of safety with five matches remaining in the season.
