Javier Hernandez misses spot kick as Frankfurt beat Leverkusen

Javier Hernandez missed a late penalty for Bayer Leverkusen.
Javier Hernandez missed a late penalty for Bayer Leverkusen.
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Eintracht Frankfurt picked up their second win of the season to move three points clear of opponents Bayer Leverkusen with a 2-1 triumph at the Waldstadion.

Alexander Meier put the Eagles in front early in the second half, but Javier Hernandez levelled soon after.

Hernandez's compatriot Marco Fabian restored Frankfurt's lead, and they managed to hold on to all three points, thanks also to a missed penalty from Hernandez at the death.

Haris Seferovic and Admir Mehmedi had the better chances of a tight first half which saw neither side keen to seize the initiative, and a bit of tiredness on show from Leverkusen, who were in Champions League action in the week.

Frankfurt took full advantage of Leverkusen's tired legs when they took the lead in the 53rd minute with Meier drilling his shot into the roof of the net after Leverkusen failed to clear Fabian's cross.

His second goal of the season was also Frankfurt's second, and he continued to pose the greatest danger.

That is until Hernandez levelled, just minutes after Kevin Volland entered the fray and set up the Mexican to bring the Werkself level by rounding the goalkeeper and stroking the ball into the open goal.

Hakan Calhanoglu almost gave Leverkusen the lead as the visitors enjoyed their best phase of the game, buoyed by their equalising goal.

Frankfurt, nevertheless, found a winner against the run of play with another Mexican on target, Fabian turning in Ante Rebic's cross with ease.

The hosts played the risky game of trying to defend their advantage and they could have come unstuck in the 88th minute when Timothy Chandler fouled Julian Brandt inside the penalty area.

Hernandez stepped up, but he sent his penalty against the post as Frankfurt held on.