Eintracht Frankfurt ended a six-game winless run at home in the Bundesliga with a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Koln. Meanwhile, Koln’s struggles on the road continued, extending their winless away streak to 16 matches, with six draws and 10 defeats.

Adi Hutter’s side were eager to reward the supporters at Deutsche Bank Park as they welcomed a Koln team that had struggled away from home in recent weeks.

The match began at a frantic pace, with Marius Bulter denied by Noah Atubolu in the opening minute before Frankfurt created several promising opportunities. Marvin Schwabe was forced into action to push away Younes Ebnoutalib’s effort before producing two more saves to keep out the lively Fares Chaibi.

Both teams continued to attack directly as the first half progressed. Atubolu then made an excellent stop to deny Bulter, who struck first time from Borna Sosa’s free-kick.

Sebastian Sebulonsen attempted to produce a spectacular moment at the other end, but his looping right-footed effort sailed over the crossbar.

Said El Mala subsequently embarked on an impressive run from inside his own penalty area towards Frankfurt’s box, but his attempt drifted wide of the far post. The entertaining contest remained finely balanced as the teams headed into half-time.

Frankfurt came out with renewed purpose after the break, as Younes Ebnoutalib threatened again and Ritsu Doan continued to impress with his attacking play. The Japan international delivered a dangerous cross towards Lilian Brassier, whose header was pushed behind by Marvin Schwabe.

Doan then created another opportunity for Fares Chaibi, but the midfielder could not capitalise, sending a tame header straight at Schwabe despite being in a promising position inside the box.

When Brassier headed wide from Chaibi’s corner, it appeared that Eintracht Frankfurt were heading for another disappointing result at home. However, Ebnoutalib finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, finishing clinically with his right foot past Schwabe at the near post following an excellent combination with Noel Aseko-Nkili.

Younes Ebnoutalib’s 77th-minute strike proved decisive in a closely contested encounter, securing a deserved victory for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Rene Wagner now faces the challenge of finding a way to improve FC Koln’s away form and end their disappointing run on the road. Meanwhile, Frankfurt will hope this result marks a turning point, having recorded their first Bundesliga home win since March