“You can give the penalty” – Andrich reflects on early Kalimuendo foul

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich has conceded that Eintracht Frankfurt could have been awarded a penalty early in their 3-1 defeat, following a controversial moment in the opening stages at Deutsche Bank Park.

With the score still at 0-0, Andrich caught Frankfurt forward Arnaud Kalimuendo inside the penalty area after a cross, prompting a brief stoppage as the referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor. The decision ultimately went in Leverkusen’s favour, with no penalty given - a call that proved significant in the context of the match.

Speaking after the game, Andrich showed little hesitation in his assessment of the situation. “You can give the penalty,” he admitted. “I watched it again on my phone after the match, and I wouldn’t have complained if the referee had awarded the penalty.”

Leverkusen went on to take control of the contest and build a decisive first-half lead, but the early incident will leave Frankfurt wondering how the game might have unfolded had the decision gone their way.