Eintracht Frankfurt, with libero Makoto Hasebe deployed in midfield, took Chelsea all the way to penalties in the second leg of the Europa League semifinals, before bowing out in gallant fashion.

After the 1 – 1 first leg result, Frankfurt went behind in the 28th minute, but equalised early in the second half to even the tie. There were no more goals and the match moved into extra time, and then to penalties.

Advantage went Frankfurt’s way when Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta had his spot kick saved by Kevin Trapp. But two consecutive misses from the German side meant that Chelsea progressed to the final, their first appearance since winning the cup in 2012/13.

Hasebe played the full match, and went so close to reaching the final. Shinji Ono remains the only Japanese footballer to have played and won in the final with Feyenoord in 2001/02.

In the post match interview, Hasebe said, “Of course we are disappointed we could not win. But it is a credit to the team that throughout the competition, tonight included, we have shown just how close we were to the final. There is an element of luck with penalties but as it is, I am proud of the team.”

The former Japan international played in all 14 Europa League matches this season in Frankfurt’s march to the semifinals, the club’s first in 39 years. He spoke about the experience competing in the tournament and the Frankfurt supporters.

“It’s very different from the Bundesliga. We got to play against a variety of teams. Frankfurt are not regulars in neither Champions League nor Europa League, so it was massive for the club to get to play on such a stage. And above everything else, I really respect the supporters for creating a home-like atmosphere in whichever stadium we played in. This has truly been a great battle.”

The traveling Frankfurt fans showed their appreciation for the team after the 120 minutes of courageous effort.

Europa League (Semifinals, 2nd Leg)

Chelsea 1 – 1 Eintracht Frankfurt

(Ruben Loftus-Cheek 28′ – Luka Jovic 49′)

Chelsea win 4 – 3 on penalties (2 – 2 on aggregate)

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Source: Yahoo

Images: gettyimages