Eintracht Frankfurt overcame the impending departure of in-form Omar Marmoush to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home on Friday, adding further misery to the slumping visitors. Frankfurt, who dropped Manchester City goalkeeper Marmoush from the squad just hours before kick-off, were clinical and controlled. Striker Hugo Ekitike gave Frankfurt an early lead and Dortmund had few clear chances despite dominant ball control.
In stoppage time, Oscar Hojlund took advantage of a Dortmund mistake in midfield, won possession and ran 40 meters to slot the ball past a helpless Gregor Kobel.
“We know what we had in Omar,” Mario Goetze from Frankfurt told DAZN.
“An incredible player, great character. It's always a shame when a player leaves, but the team did well against Dortmund today.”
The result means Dortmund, who played in the Champions League final in June, have lost their last three games and managed just one win in their last six matches.
They could drop to 11th place depending on results this weekend and are 11 points behind Frankfurt, who are on course for their first top-four finish in three decades.
Dortmund midfielder Pascal Gross said: “It's a results sport and in the end we couldn't get a result. It's extremely difficult.”
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl backed coach Nuri Sahin after the match despite the poor run, saying: “We will continue. Nuri has our confidence.
“We are disappointed and dissatisfied with where we are,” adding: “This is not a team that should be sitting where we are on the table.”
– Marmoush to City 'likely' – Just hours before kick-off, Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche confirmed Marmoush had been left out of the squad due to a “very, very likely” move to City.
Despite their poor recent form, the visitors started strongly, with Serhou Guirassy heading Julian Ryerson's high cross against the post after eight minutes.
Frankfurt's French striker Ekitike, who was expected to carry a heavier load after Marmoush's departure, put the hosts ahead after 18 minutes.
Rasmus Kristensen took advantage of a lethargic Dortmund defense and found some space on the right. The Dane raced down the flank and delivered a controlled cross into the path of Ekitike, who fired the ball home.
As they have done for most of the season, Dortmund dominated possession but failed to break through as the hosts held firm.
With just over 10 minutes to go, Nnamdi Collins clattered into Jamie Gittens in the penalty area but the referee waved away the contact before showing Dortmund captain Emre Can a yellow card for complaining.
“It was a clear penalty,” Gross told DAZN.
Dortmund threw men forward as Sahin made a series of attacking substitutions, before Frankfurt's Hojlund stole the ball from Can and marched onto the pitch before sealing the result.
At full time, a tearful Marmoush emerged from the stands and celebrated for the last time with his soon-to-be former teammates.
“He helped the team and I think you can see in the pictures how much we appreciate him. We are happy for him; it's part of football,” Goetze added.
Leader Bayern Munich will host Wolfsburg on Saturday. Defending champion Bayer Leverkusen, who is four points back in second place, plays at home against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
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