Larsson Shines in Frankfurt: Celebrating His First European Goal and Impact on the Team

Frankfurt hosted Latvian league champions Riga in the Europa League‘s league phase on Thursday evening.

Frankfurt had collected four points from their opening two games in autumn Europa League play. Visiting Riga headed into tonight’s event on a point, having picked up a surprise last-gasp cross against Galatasaray.

When the starting eleven arrived, it was clear that Hugo Larsson would start on the bench. Before tonight’s match, the Swedish national team midfielder had started all but one of Frankfurt’s competitive matches this season.

The first half was somewhat locked as Frankfurt had most of the ball while Riga stood low with its five-back line. The really hot scoring chances did not happen for the home team, while the Latvian guests stuck up with some semi-interesting forwards.

When the second act began, Hugo Larsson changed the plan. The Swede was replaced by Mohammed Dahoud and took his place in central midfield.

The change was seemingly going to have an immediate effect as Frankfurt centre-back Tuta put the ball into the net after just under three minutes of the second half but the goal was disallowed for offside.

In the 64th minute, Frankfurt were awarded a penalty when Omar Marmoush was pulled down along the extended goal line. After a VAR assessment, however, it was clear that the offense had taken place outside the penalty area and the ruling was changed to a free kick.

Frankfurt grew increasingly frustrated as the lead goal failed to materialize as the clock ticked down.

In the 79th minute, substitute Hugo Larsson stepped forward and broke the deadlock.

The Swede made a run into the penalty area, received a deep pass and finished clinically at the far post. The son of Svarte’s third goal of the season and Larsson’s first ever in a European game.

“Larsson is through and makes it ice cold,” wrote Eintracht Frankfurt on X.

Only a minute later, Riga came close to equalizing when Adam Markhiyev hit the crossbar.

However, Frankfurt persevered and took home all three points. Hugo Larsson became the organizer of victory as the match’s only goalscorer.

After the event, Larsson was praised on social media.

“Larsson carried the whole team in the second half. Body language, dynamics, deep runs and the goal,” writes Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel on X.

The hero spoke to Frankfurt’s website after the match

– It was fun to play today, European Cup games always have a special atmosphere and there is something special in Frankfurt, says Larsson.

The Swede also described his goal.

– I actually didn’t hit the ball well when I scored, but luckily it went in anyway. The fit was perfect, right on my foot.

– We were always the better team. After the break we did better, created our chances and deserved to win, Larsson told the website.

Startelvor:

Frankfurt: Trapp; Kristensen, Amenda, Koch, Nkounkou; Edimbe, Tuta, Dahoud, Uzun; Matanovic, Marmoush

Riga: Waves; Savalniek, Prenga, Lipuscek, New; Markhiev, Panic; Odisharia, Zelenkov, Kovadio; Embarrassing