Eintracht Frankfurt missed out on the chance to put the pressure on their rivals in the hunt for a place in the Europa League next season as they played out a goalless draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.
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The home side went on the attack straight from the kickoff as a long ball over the top of the Gladbach defence found the run of Haris Sefrovic, but he could only fire his left-footed strike narrowly over the bar.
The visitors had an excellent chance to take the lead in the 11th minute when Patrick Hermann collected a cross-field pass down the right and advanced on goal. His first strike was well saved by Kevin Trapp, but on the rebound the forward fired his effort over the bar.
Frankfurt raided back upfield as Sonny Kittel found space on the edge of the box to tee up Sefrovic, but when well placed the forward could only drill his left-footed strike wide of the post.
At the other end, Gladbach threatened once more as Oscar Wendt and Fabian Johnson linked up as the full-back released the run of the American, but he could only fire wide from close range.
Yann Sommer kept the visitors level when he made a save to deny Nelson Valdez as the striker managed to get between two defenders to power a header at goal.
Frankfurt continued to push forward in numbers in the second half and Valdez slid a perfect through-ball for Stefan Aigner, who took a touch to put the ball on his left foot, but could only smash his effort past the post.
Aigner was presented with another good opportunity when Alvaro Dominguez's headed clearance landed straight to him, but his effort on the half-volley was tame and easily saved by Sommer.
In the dying seconds of the match, Gladbach almost stole the victory as Ibrahima Traore weaved his way past several defenders before cutting the ball back to Thorgan Hazard, but his strike was well saved at his near post by Trapp.
Simon Sinclair
