Atubolu extends penalty record as Frankfurt record first win of the season in Mainz

Eintracht Frankfurt finally recorded their first win of the Bundesliga season as Noah Atubolu extended his record of consecutive penalty-kick saves.

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On his return to Mewa Arena, Jonathan Burkardt was instrumental in the excellent first-half for the visitors. The former Mainz striker provided a perfect assist for Can Uzun as Eintracht Frankfurt took the lead in the ninth minute.

Sheraldo Becker was the star of the show when the 05ers put five past HSV last week, and he won a penalty-kick only a couple minutes before the half-time break. However, Nadiem Amiri’s attempt was blocked by Noah Atubolu.

The former Freiburg goalkeeper extended his Bundesliga record of saving successive penalties to six. After his poor performance in the defeat against Augsburg, the Germany international made his first big contribution at his new club.

And, just before the half-time break, Frankfurt doubled their advantage as Burkardt scored his fifth goal of the season in all competitions. Urs Fischer brought Ransford Konigsdorffer for the restart. The striker was criticized after his reaction in the wake of scoring against his former club on matchday 2.

Frankfurt sealed their first win of the season with Uzun’s second goal of the afternoon at the hour mark. Mario Götze provided the assist a minute after his introduction in place of debutant Noel Aseko. 

There was a late consolation for the hosts as Atubolu denied a first clean sheet in Frankfurt colors. Phillip Tietz, who scored four goals in the DFB-Pokal opener, netted his third league strike of the season just before the start of the injury-time.

Both teams will be in action once again on Saturday afternoon before the international break. Atubolu will face his former club Freiburg, while Mainz travel to struggling Borussia Mönchengladbach on matchday 4.