Mexico internationals and Chivas youth products Marco Fabian and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez squared off in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with the attacking midfielder and striker playing vital roles in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Alexander Meier opened the scoring for the home side, Frankfurt, in the 53rd minute. His goal was provided by Fabian, the Frankfurt No. 10 supplying the cross for the opener.
However, Chicharito leveled the score for Leverkusen on the hour mark. It was Chicharito’s first goal of the new campaign, the El Tri striker still outfitted in a cast following his stairwell accident.
It was a wonderfully composed goal for Chicharito, although his nerves would once again be put to the test later in the match.
VIDEO
El golazo de @Ch14_ para empatar el partido contra Frankfurt. #BundesligaEnFD https://t.co/XoGnVllIpr— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) September 17, 2016
The brilliant Fabian, Frankfurt's man of the match, restored their lead in the 79th minute. It was his first goal for Frankfurt since joining on December 18th, 2015.
Waking up to see:
Frankfurt 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Chicharito- goal but pk miss
Marco Fabian - assist and this winner https://t.co/2D4po1PqAh— Rafael Diaz (@mexicanfutcom) September 17, 2016
Chicharito had an opportunity to snatch a late draw for Leverkusen after American international Timothy Chandler fouled Julian Brandt inside the box. Hernandez watched in horror as he sent his penalty crashing against the post, Frankfurt earning three points and climbing above Leverkusen in the table.
Speaking after the match, Fabian said: “This moment is the reward for all my hard work…Today I was on the winning side. He [Chicharito] was the villain today, he scored one but missed a penalty afterwards, but that’s just how it goes in football sometimes. I think we’ve done Mexico proud to have both scored today in a good game.”
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