Eintracht Frankfurt Women were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in the UEFA Women’s Champions League despite being the better side for most of the game, the result keeping them third in Group A after Matchday 4.
Reuteler on target
Niko Arnautis’ side produced an impressive performance from the outset, putting their Portuguese visitors under pressure and dominating the encounter. Laura Freigang (14’), Lara Prasnikar (17’) and Sara Doorsoun (26’) all had presentable chances before Geraldine Reuteler showed them how it was done shortly before the half-hour mark, putting Eintracht in front following superb build-up from Freigang (28’).
Benfica equalise, Freigang misses penalty
Eintracht maintained their high tempo into the second half but squandered a number of promising chances to add to the scoreline, including a close-range Nicole Anyomi header (64’). Benfica made the most of those misses and pulled level via Nycole Raysla following a counter-attack in the 71st minute. The Eagles pushed for a winner until the end and had a glorious chance to take all three points in stoppage time, only for Freigang to see her penalty saved.
Head coach Niko Arnautis: “Everyone could see what we set out to do. That was Eintracht Frankfurt. With the ball, against the ball, we created chances and we scored. Only one team was in the game and that was us. We deserved to go into the break with a 1-0 lead. Even though Benfica were more dangerous in the second half and gave us more to do, we had some great chances to score a second goal. That makes it frustrating when you concede the equaliser with what felt like their first proper chance. Then we got the penalty. Laura has scored so many times, but it wasn’t to be today. It’s hugely frustrating in terms of the result. I’m proud of the way we played. Now we need to digest the result. We’ll keep going, stick with it and we won’t give up. This is an experience you can learn from.”
Eintracht can still qualify for the quarter-finals but must win their two remaining games and hope that Benfica drop at least four points. If Benfica lose both their remaining games, the Eagles would only need four more points to progress.
