Eintracht Frankfurt Hosts Ajax in Crucial Europa League Clash

FRANKFURT, Germany — Eintracht Frankfurt will aim to secure their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals as they host Ajax on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The match at Deutsche Bank Park kicks off at 5:45 p.m. local time, with Frankfurt holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Amsterdam.

After a dramatic first leg that saw Ajax take the lead, goals from Frankfurt’s players turned the match around, leaving head coach Dino Toppmöller confident ahead of the decisive clash. ‘We only need to avoid defeat to progress,’ Toppmöller said. ‘Playing at home gives us an extra boost.’

Frankfurt comes into the match in poor domestic form, having suffered consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, including a heavy 4-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen and a disappointing 2-1 setback against Union Berlin. With their league position precarious—just one point above the relegation zone—this Europa League fixture takes on added significance.

Historically, Frankfurt has performed well at home in European competitions, winning each of their previous seven ties after taking the first leg on the road. They also boast an impressive record against Dutch teams, having never lost at home to a club from the Netherlands in over 40 years.

Ajax, facing their own challenges, have only secured one victory in their last five matches in Germany. Their fortunes in the Europa League seem grim, as they have been eliminated in eight of their last nine ties after losing the first leg. However, they are buoyed by a recent 1-0 victory over Zwolle, which maintained their eight-point lead in the Eredivisie.

‘We know we can create problems for them,’ Ajax’s coach said ahead of the match. ‘We need to find our rhythm early and look to capitalize on any chances we get.’

Frankfurt’s lineup will feature the return of Ellyes Skhiri, who missed the last match due to suspension. However, they will be without key players, including a suspended striker and several others dealing with injuries. Ajax has its own absentees, including a suspended player following their last encounter.

Kickoff is not just about numbers; it will be a test of nerves, strategy, and skill. Based on statistical models, Frankfurt has a 58.9% chance of winning, while Ajax sits at 27.7% to advance.

As the match approaches, both teams will be looking to make a mark not only for progression in the Europa League but also as a morale boost amidst challenging seasons in their respective leagues.