The Frankfurt Eintracht women may have been eliminated from the DFB Cup competition, but they still have a real final ahead of them.
The upcoming Bundesliga away game at Turbine Potsdam (May 7) will provide information on whether the Hessians can achieve their major goal of qualifying for the Champions League. Of course, a win at their arch-rivals is a must.
Just like a home win against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday was a must to stay in the race.
However, the weakened Eintracht had a hard time with the Rhinelanders who had been without a win since mid-December.
It took a late goal from long range by Barbara Dunst for the 2-1 winner in the 85th minute.
"An outstanding feeling"
The Austrian has developed into one of the best-performing players in midfield this season in the SGE squad - and now saved her team from a bitter disappointment.
“We had to go beyond our limits.
It's an amazing feeling to see how the team has dealt with setbacks," said head coach Niko Arnautis.
On the one hand, there were the failures of the regulars Laura Freigang (corona infection) and Verena Hanshaw (ill), which led to the long-injured captain Tanja Pawollek starting the first eleven.
And on the other hand the bulky Leverkusen style of play, against which the Frankfurt women found no right remedy.
Worse: Shortly after the break, Bayer took the lead through Annika Enderle (52').
However, Eintracht had a quick answer ready.
Sandrine Mauron's attempt was deflected into his own net by a Leverkusen defender (57').
The SBU attacking trio of Nicole Anyomi, Shekiera Martinez and Lara Prasnikar missed a series of good opportunities in the closing stages.
But before the Hessians despaired, Barbara Dunst's hour had come.
Now we can focus on the final on the penultimate day in Postdam.