Overview
- Atlético seized control with a 3–0 halftime lead, as Raspadori (4'), Le Normand (33') and Griezmann (45+1') scored before Simeone (70') and Álvarez (82', penalty) finished the job; Burkardt netted Frankfurt’s consolation in the 57th minute.
- Sport director Markus Krösche said Atlético were “a number too big” for Frankfurt and described the setback as part of a young team’s development process.
- Coach Dino Toppmöller conceded his side “reached limits” and said the night offered vital lessons against a team he views as a Champions League title contender.
- The defeat extends a worrying trend, with 13 goals conceded across Frankfurt’s last three competitive matches and recent wild swings including 5–1 vs Galatasaray and 6–4 at Gladbach after a 6–0 lead.
- Attention now turns to Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting with Bayern Munich, as coverage noted the Madrid match aired on DAZN rather than free-to-air TV in Germany.