Eintracht Frankfurt beat Cologne as Younes Ebnoutalib scores in the 77th minute

Changed lineups and an early Cologne chance

Frankfurt brought Farès Chaibi, Younes Ebnoutalib and Mario Götze into their starting lineup, making three changes. Cologne started Joël Schmied and Tom Krauß in place of Ellyes Skhiri and Mikey Moore.

Cologne created an opening in the first minute. Borna Sosa released Marius Bülter behind Frankfurt’s defense, but Noah Atubolu saved the one-on-one to keep the visitors from taking an early lead.

Both goalkeepers deny first-half chances

Chaibi forced Marvin Schwäbe into a save in the eighth minute and another from close range 14 minutes later. Bülter also connected with Sosa’s swinging free kick at the near post, only for Atubolu to push his effort away.

Before the interval, El Mala cut inside Koch and curled an attempt wide of the far post. The teams went into halftime scoreless, and neither made a substitution before the second half began.

Schwäbe saves again before Frankfurt make changes

After the restart, Lilian Brassier headed Ritsu Doan’s delivery toward goal, with Schwäbe making the save. The Cologne goalkeeper also held a Chaibi header during the opening 15 minutes of the second half.

Frankfurt introduced Aséko for Götze in the 71st minute. Knauff also replaced Collins, who had been injured challenging El Mala.

Aséko supplies Ebnoutalib for the winner

Frankfurt won possession high upfield before Noëll Aséko supplied Ebnoutalib, who scored from a tight angle in the 77th minute. Cologne sought an equalizer through late substitute Reigan Heskey, but Atubolu remained unbeaten.

Four added minutes were announced. Sosa received a yellow card in the fourth added minute before the final whistle confirmed Frankfurt’s first home victory of the campaign.

Atubolu marked his 100th Bundesliga appearance with a clean sheet, while Ebnoutalib received the Man of the Match award.