Both sides see red as Frankfurt snatch draw with Bremen

Eintracht Frankfurt came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at home in a feisty match with Werder Bremen on Friday as both sides finished a man down.

Frankfurt had the better of the opening half, Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush twice forcing desperate saves from Bremen goalie Michael Zetterer.

The hosts survived a handball penalty call early in the second, VAR ruling against punishing Milos Veljkovic despite contact with the arm.

Frankfurt's stay of execution was brief, with Veljkovic pouncing after home 'keeper Kevin Trapp parried a free-kick and slotting in the opener after 62 minutes.

Seemingly on course for their first win since mid-February, Bremen were reduced to 10 men after 73-minutes when Jens Stage saw straight red for a brutal challenge on Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

The hosts equalised just four minutes later, Tuta expertly heading over a helpless Zetterer.

Punkteteilung gegen Bremen ⚖️
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⏹️ 90. | #SGESVW 1:1 | #SGE pic.twitter.com/Abnz4lF4sz

— Eintracht Frankfurt (@Eintracht) April 5, 2024

The home side had the wind in their sails but hopes of victory were dashed in the final minute of regulation time, Tuta emulating Stage's rough challenge and seeing red after sinking his studs into Felix Agu's heel.

The draw means Frankfurt remain entrenched in sixth place and on course for European football, but midfielder Mario Goetze told DAZN he was disappointed.

"That doesn't really help anyone. We really wanted the three points, but conceded that annoying goal.

"We have to do our job."

Trapp agreed, saying the result was "difficult to grasp."

"We're still sixth but it feels like there's a negative cloud hovering over us.

"We could have made big steps (towards Europe) so it's difficult to swallow."

Bremen finish the night in 10th place but could be as low as 13th should results go against them this weekend.

On Saturday, Xabi Alonso's league leaders Leverkusen play at Union Berlin while second-placed Bayern Munich travel to Heidenheim.

Leverkusen, 13 points clear atop the table, are yet to lose a match in any competition this season, having won 36 and drawn four of 40 games.