Die Adlerträger!

By: Ollie | March 21st, 2009

Eintracht left Düsseldorf with a relatively satisfying 1-1 draw to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. While short of a victory, the point adds space to the drop zone and most importantly, saw the return of Zlatan Bajramović after being out for fifteen months.

Eintracht took the lead sixteen minutes after the start when after Renato Augusto lost the ball to Martin Fenin, the Czech Republic international executed a strong run down the left flank before crossing to Alexander Meier, who after a fortunate bounce drove the ball in from five metres. However the match lacked any significant scoring chances until Leverkusen drew it level five minutes prior to the half as Tranquillo Barnetta’s corner found Michal Kadlec who was able to send the ball in from close range. Opportunities were coming at a fast pace and Eintracht rode their luck as Stefan Kießling hit the crossbar a few minutes after. After the restart Friedhelm Funkel’s side came out with restored confidence and nearly scored the winner on the hour with Ümit Korkmaz’s challenging free-kick as well as a last breath efforts by Habib Bellaïd and Caio that seemed destined for the net. However each was held back by Leverkusen goalkeeper René Adler and the match ended as a 1-1 draw. While the injury situation is still in a difficult situation, the return of Zlatan Bajramović is a major boost for Eintracht.