UEFA Europa League: Frankfurt stun Slavia Prague in extra time thriller

Eintracht Frankfurt's late resurgence sees them edge past Slavia Prague

Frankfurt reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals for the first time since 1980

Eintracht Frankfurt stunned Slavia Prague in a thrilling UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg, coming from behind to win 3-2 after extra time and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1980.

Slavia Prague took the lead in the 14th minute through Lukas Masopust's close-range finish, but Frankfurt hit back in the second half when Daichi Kamada equalised with a superb strike from outside the box.

The match went to extra time, and Frankfurt took the lead in the 108th minute when Filip Kostic headed in a cross from Filip Holender. Slavia Prague equalised again through Abdallah Sima in the 119th minute, but Frankfurt had the last word when Kamada scored his second of the night in the 120th minute to send the German club through to the semi-finals.

Frankfurt's victory was hard-fought, but they ultimately deserved to progress. They showed great character to come back from behind twice, and they were the better team in extra time. Slavia Prague will be disappointed to have lost, but they can be proud of their performance. They pushed Frankfurt all the way and were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw.

Frankfurt's resurgence under Glasner

Frankfurt's victory is a testament to the work of coach Oliver Glasner. The Austrian has transformed Frankfurt since taking over in the summer of 2021. He has made them a more organised and disciplined team, and he has also instilled in them a belief that they can compete with the best.

Frankfurt's run to the semi-finals of the Europa League is their best European performance in over 40 years. They will now face either Barcelona or Galatasaray in the semi-finals, and they will be confident of reaching the final.

Slavia Prague's disappointment

Slavia Prague will be disappointed to have lost to Frankfurt, but they can be proud of their performance. They were the better team for large parts of the match, and they were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw.

Slavia Prague's elimination from the Europa League is a blow to their hopes of winning a major European trophy. However, they can still take solace from the fact that they have had a successful season. They won the Czech First League title and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League. They will be hoping to build on this season's success next season.