Mario Götze shines with two goals in Eintracht Frankfurt’s victory over Ajax

Mario Götze remained modest despite receiving accolades for his impressive performance, scoring two stunning goals in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 4:1 win against Ajax Amsterdam. Following the match, the midfielder emphasized the importance of focusing on the fight for Champions League spots in the Bundesliga and the upcoming clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League quarter-finals.

“If we could have painted it, we would have taken it exactly like this. It was a very good game from the entire team. But now we need to stay focused,” said the 2014 World Champion. Götze acknowledged the significance of the evening, stating, “I can’t remember the last time I scored a double.”

Götze scores twice for Frankfurt

For the first time since joining Eintracht in the summer of 2022, Götze scored two goals in one match. His first goal came after he expertly controlled a brilliant pass from defender Robin Koch with his chest, then gently placed the ball past the onrushing Ajax goalkeeper Matheus into the corner. His second goal was even more spectacular, as he scored from approximately 40 meters into an empty net.

“He probably scores that ten out of ten times because he simply has that technique. He deserves great praise, and he received it,” said Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller. Sport director Timmo Hardung described Götze’s goals as “mouth-watering.”

Praise from all sides

It was no surprise that the 32-year-old veteran received a standing ovation from fans when he was substituted shortly before the end of the match. “He hasn’t scored a double for us before, and then to do it with such beautiful goals shows how important Mario is for our young team. He was a linchpin in the game,” noted Frankfurt’s sports director Markus Krösche.

Former player Lothar Matthäus was also impressed with Götze’s display. “What Mario does with the ball is unique. He doesn’t just play football; he enjoys it. That’s what makes him so strong,” praised the record national player while appearing as a TV expert for RTL.

Toppmöller hopes Götze’s positive form continues. “He plays very selflessly, without trying to push himself into the spotlight. He doesn’t seek to shine. That’s the key. He has this footballing calm and is a Champions League player. We know that. It’s even better that he showed it today,” he commended the star of the evening.

Eintracht aims to crown their season

The Frankfurt team will greatly benefit from a Götze in top form as they approach the end of the season. In the Bundesliga, they aim to at least secure the fourth place, which would mark the club’s second participation in the Champions League.

In the Europa League, the team hopes for a success story similar to 2022 when they triumphed in the competition. “I hope nothing stops us on the way to the final,” said leading scorer Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who is counting on Götze: “Mario is an extraordinary player and a great leader.”

Götze is expected to play a key role in this capacity during the quarter-finals. On April 10, Frankfurt will first travel to London, followed by the home match against Spurs a week later. The two teams last met at the end of 2022 in the Champions League group stage, ending in a 0:0 draw and a 2:3 defeat. However, the English side no longer has Harry Kane, who currently plays for Bayern Munich. Nonetheless, Götze cautioned, “It will be tough.”