Eintracht Frankfurt survived the Bundesliga's second-half opener with a 3-3 draw at Werder Bremen. Despite conceding three goals again, Ansgar Knauff secured a point in stoppage time. Sporting director Markus Krösche criticized persistent defensive issues and left coach Dino Toppmöller in uncertainty.
At the Weserstadion, Bundesliga matchday 18 ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw between Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt (1-1). Arnaud Kalimuendo, a new loan signing from Nottingham Forest, shocked the hosts with the lead goal after just 50 seconds. Justin Njinmah equalized in the 29th minute, before Nnamdi Collins put the visitors ahead again in the 56th.
Werder Bremen fought back: Jens Stage scored in the 78th minute, and Jovan Milošević netted his first goal for the hosts two minutes later. Ansgar Knauff rescued a point for Frankfurt in the 90.+5 minute in front of 41,800 spectators. The Eagles conceded three goals once more, as against Dortmund and Stuttgart previously, and have only one win in their last seven Bundesliga games.
Sporting director Markus Krösche was disappointed: «We have had the same issues for 17 or 18 games now. We can't continue like this.» He dodged a clear endorsement for coach Dino Toppmöller, saying: «We'll discuss that now.» Toppmöller admitted: «It's a sore topic, and of course, I'm primarily responsible.» After two and a half years with Frankfurt, his tenure might end; it's unclear if he'll travel for the Champions League match against Qarabag Agdam.
The draw helps neither Bremen in the relegation battle nor Frankfurt in the race for a European spot. Nnamdi Collins said: «Those are definitely two points lost. We'll overcome this together.» Justin Njinmah lamented: «It feels like a defeat.» Due to an injury, Frankfurt switched to a 3-4-2-1 system and introduced four new players.
