First the record, then the return.

On Wednesday, Eintracht went one after the other.

At eight o'clock sharp the club announced that it was finally done: Frankfurt Eintracht now has 100,000 members - and President Peter Fischer is as proud as Bolle.

Exactly three hours later, the most important sporting report of the day: Martin Hinteregger no longer has a fever.

The Frankfurt defense chief can be at the next big game this Thursday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Europa League and on RTL).

Ralph Weitbrecht

sports editor.

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Second leg in the semi-finals of the Europa League, West Ham United from the English Premier League are guests in the sold-out arena in the Frankfurt city forest.

A game that moves the masses, electrifies a region - and for the club is a great opportunity to actually buy the ticket for the place of longing Seville after the 2-1 win in London a week ago.

The Andalusian capital is the host of the final, Eintracht knows their way around in southern Spain, where they played and won at Real Betis in the round of 16 – and they want to go back there.

"We're going for a win from the first second," said Oliver Glasner a good 30 hours before kick-off against West Ham.

The Eintracht coach can hardly wait for the decisive knockout game against the Hammers to finally get going.

"We are very excited and very happy," he said - and Sebastian Rode, who was sitting next to him on the press podium in the catacombs of the arena, agreed with his coach.

"It's an absolute highlight," said the captain and promised: "We want to give everything and make it to the final."

Glasner: Eintracht plays to win

The prerequisites for this are given.

Thanks to the excellent result from the first leg, a draw against West Ham is enough for Eintracht.

But playing on it is forbidden for the people of Frankfurt, because it is far too dangerous.

Also now to win, Glasner gave as a slogan.

As in all previous encounters.

In the Bundesliga, his team has been more or less successful in living up to this claim.

Because as table eleventh, Eintracht is in no man's land of the classification.

The situation in the Europa League is completely different.

So far, no team has managed to defeat Glasner's team there.

Therefore: If the series lasts, the dream journey continues to the finale on May 18th in Seville.

The fact that Hinteregger is fit again in time and feels ready to stand in the way of the physically superior English team for a second time is good news for Eintracht.

The last personal question mark is that the same cannot be said about Jesper Lindström.

"It will be a photo finish," said Glasner about the current condition of his ailing attacker.

Muscular problems in the thigh have been preventing the nimble Dane from doing his stormy work for days.

His possible failure would be a debilitation.

Glasner said: "For the second leg we need a better performance in all areas."

The Frankfurt football teacher also knows about the away strength of the Hammers, who got the right to play in the semi-final duel with Eintracht in the quarter-finals with an impressive 3-0 win at Olympique Lyon.

"Even the game in London was hard work," said Glasner about the 2-1.

And Rode already suspects "that we have to be wide awake again".

Just like Eintracht has always been in previous European Cup games.

"We approached the whole thing pragmatically," said the captain.

"From round to round.

This is how faith grows.”

Exceed yourself at the push of a button

Belief in one's own abilities is particularly strong with Daichi Kamada.

The sensitive Japanese, who, in contrast to the Europa League, has fallen far short of his potential in the Bundesliga, his core business, is the man who has repeatedly made the difference with his goals and ideas.

"Daichi is a very important connection player for us," said Glasner on Wednesday.

“Again and again he finds the rooms in which he can be played.

He is very intelligent on and off the ball.

He's having an outstanding season in Europe."

Just like the rest of his Frankfurt playmates, who have always managed to surpass themselves, as if at the push of a button.

"We've developed a sense of self-confidence," said Glasner.

“Coupled with the fans, there is a belief in our game.

A belief that has to be felt and lived.” Having reached the zenith of his creative power as a football coach, the Austrian, who was so happy in Frankfurt, said: “Your own stadium can give you energy.”

It will be sold out against West Ham with 48,000 in attendance.

Lots of celebrities among them.

The leaders of UEFA, DFB and DFL will be there live.

Likewise, former coaches, players and companions of Eintracht.

The semi-finals as a big family reunion - for the club it should be a sporting spectacle.

Eleventh in the Bundesliga, fifth in the fan rankings - and soon even first in the Europa League?

President Fischer was delighted on the day that Eintracht broke the 100,000 member mark and thus positioned itself behind FC Bayern, Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Köln.

"Eintracht Frankfurt is one of the largest sports clubs in Germany and the world," he said, speaking of a "special milestone.

Of course, the sporting success of our professional team helped us – be it the cup victory in 2018 or our unforgettable trips through Europe.” The longing is great: there should be an unforgettable trip this season.

Seville lures - the Hammers stand in the way.