Frankfurt win as Luka Jovic makes dream comeback against Schalke 04
Schalke falter against Frankfurt as the Eagles welcomed back their Serbian superstar, who came off the bench to put on a show.
In what was Argentine defender David Abraham’s final match at the Commerzbank Arena, Schalke looked to build on their stunning 4-0 victory over 1899 TSG Hoffenheim last week.
Eintracht Frankfurt dominated for most of the first half and came very close to scoring when center-back Martin Hinteregger rattled the woodwork, just before Andre Silva drew first blood in the 28th minute with a shot in the bottom corner from close range.
S04 were extremely quick to react as Matthew Hoppe, the American wonder kid, who banged in an amazing hattrick last weekend to relieve Schalke of an unwanted record and register their first win in Bundesliga in almost a year, was once again on target. He equalized just one minute later after chasing a lob by teammate Benjamin Stambouli and cleanly slipping a shot in between the goalkeeper’s legs. Hoppe clearly put his poacher instincts on display.
Schalke put in a more confident showing in the second-half as compared to the first, but were unable to take the lead. The match’s turning point came after the hour mark when Real Madrid outcast, Luka Jovic, came on in the 62nd minute for midfielder Erik Durm and turned the match around with an impressive display.
The 72nd minute saw his first goal on return and Frankfurt’s second. It was a brilliant half volley in the top corner after Filip Kostic sent in a comfortable cross. The Serbian once again set up Jovic with an accurate through ball in the 91st minute, an opportunity that his counterpart made full use of by slotting in a low effort past Ralf Fährmann.
After 16 games having been played, Schalke sit bottom in 18th place with 7 points and Frankfurt move to 7th place – one behind 6th placed Wolfsburg with the same number of points, 26. Wolfsburg are ahead by one goal on goal difference.
Eintracht Frankfurt have now won more Bundesliga home games against Schalke 04 (26 wins) than they have against any other side.