Eintracht Frankfurt up to third after away defeat of Schalke

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:49 pm

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BERLIN -- Alexander Meier fired Eintracht Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win at Schalke on Friday.

The home side came closest midway through the first half when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting whipped a cross in that Guido Burgstaller did well to reach, only to see his header brilliantly saved by backup goalkeeper Heinz Lindner.

Frankfurt No. 1 Lukas Hradecky was serving a ban following his red card in the previous weekend's loss to Leipzig.

Meier struck in the 33rd minute, pealing away from his marker Naldo to reach Makoto Hasebe's clever free kick and send the ball inside the right post. Meier was helped in part by David Abraham's outstretched arm hindering Naldo's attempt to follow.

Neither side were able to create clear-cut chances as the game stagnated in midfield and there were whistles from frustrated home fans at the break.

Burgstaller again went close early in the second half, but Hans Seferovic might have made it 2-0 Frankfurt after Leon Goretzka lost the ball, before Meier went close again.

Neither side threatened thereafter, leading to more whistles from the remaining fans at full-time.

League leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Leipzig play Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim, respectively, on Saturday.