'It was a nervous start' - Eintracht Frankfurt star Jonathan Burkardt hails 'incredible' Champions League result as coach tells players to 'enjoy' heroic comeback win against Galatasaray

Eintracht striker Burkardt enjoyed a dream Champions League debut, scoring twice to cap a memorable night. His first, a glancing header in first-half stoppage time, put Frankfurt in firm control before he doubled his tally after the break with another well-timed header. 

“It was a nervous start. But the way we stepped up from a 1-0 deficit and then won like that with that crowd was incredible. Simply perfect tonight,” Burkardt told DAZN after being named player of the match.

The match began with a scare for Frankfurt as former Bayern star Sane made an immediate impression on his first return to Germany. Winning possession deep in his own half, the winger surged forward before assisting captain Yunus Akgun for the opener in the eighth minute. The strike made Sane the first player in Champions League history to either score or assist on his debut for four different clubs. His sharp start, however, was ultimately overshadowed by Frankfurt’s ruthless response.

Nineteen-year-old Turkey international Uzun produced a stunning strike on his Champions League bow, turning sharply inside the box before rifling home to make it 2-1. Ansgar Knauff later added gloss to the scoreline with a composed finish in the 75th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround. Frankfurt’s clinical streak was helped by Gala’s defensive struggles, with Davinson Sanchez and Wilfried Singo both conceding unfortunate own goals in a frantic first half.

Head coach Toppmoller was quick to highlight the significance of Frankfurt’s performance, both on the pitch and for the club’s supporters. “We deserved this competition last season, so the boys should enjoy it a bit. I want to give them that message,” he said post-match, praising the “special atmosphere” created by a crowd of over 30,000 travelling Turkish fans and a stirring home display. The night also held an emotional note as club icon Kevin Trapp was honoured before kick-off, following his summer move to Paris.

The result leaves Frankfurt top of the new 36-team Champions League league phase after the first round of fixtures. They now turn their attention to a daunting away trip to Atletico Madrid on September 30. Galatasaray, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, with Premier League leaders Liverpool set to visit Istanbul in their next European clash. For Burkardt and Frankfurt, the victory marks a historic night that could set the tone for their continental campaign.