The Eagles put in a focused and committed performance right from the off and deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute through Lara Prasnikar. A Maria Fizcay own goal made it 2-0 three minutes later.
While Niko Arnautis' side remained in control of the game, the Danish league runners-up were increasingly able to launch waves of attacks, albeit without causing the Frankfurt rearguard any serious problems. Come the final whistle Eintracht celebrated a deserved 2-0 victory.
Arnautis' charges are next in action on Sunday 21 August at the Nord Energi Arena in Hjørring as they look to reach the second round. Eintracht with face Ajax in the final of the mini tournament in Denmark (kick-off 13:00 CEST), the Dutch club having beaten Kristinstads DFF 3-1.
Head coach Niko Arnautis: “The way we were at the top of our game today, especially in the first half, shows tremendous strength and the great character of the team. I think we deserved to win, even if you could see that Hjørring have a really good side. At the end of the day we achieved what we wanted to achieve: we're in the final, so I'm extremely happy. Now we have to rest and recover so that we can play a great final against Ajax on Sunday. Eintracht Frankfurt against Ajax in the Champions League – it's a dream come true!”
SGE line-up
Bösl – Kleinherne, Doorsoun, Pawollek, Hanshaw (74' Aehling) – Nüsken, Feiersinger, Dunst (90' Köster), Freigang – Reuteler (46' Martinez), Prasnikar (83' Anyomi).
Fortuna Hjørring line-up
Gay – Riley (64' Frank), Fizcay (82' Timmermann), Beard, S. Holmgaard, Olar – Riefner, Lundgaard (46' Odgaard), Cordia (89' Vistisen), Baatrup – Larsen (64' Ogochuckwu).
Referee
Katalin Sipos (Hungary)
Goal
0-1 Prasnikar (15')
0-2 Fizcay (18'/own goal)
Yellow cards
– / –
Attendance
150
