FRANKFURT, Germany, Feb 17, (V7N) - Goals from Hugo Larsson, Tuta, and Can Uzun lifted Eintracht Frankfurt to a comfortable 3-1 Bundesliga home victory over Holstein Kiel on Sunday, tightening their grip on third spot.

Larsson put Frankfurt in front from a Nathaniel Brown cross after 18 minutes, and Tuta took advantage of a failed Kiel clearance to double the lead in the 37th minute.

Hugo Ekitike won a penalty shortly before halftime but was unable to convert it, as Kiel goalkeeper Thomas Daehne guessed correctly to deny the Frenchman's shot.

Uzun put the match beyond doubt 15 minutes into the second half, pressing Kiel into an error before slotting home.

Kiel's Finn Porath scored in the 73rd minute, tapping in a rebound after having two shots saved by Kevin Trapp.

Ekitike’s frustrating day continued when he had an excellent late solo goal ruled out for offside.

Bochum’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday means Kiel finish the weekend in last place, eight points from safety.

The victory sent Frankfurt five points clear of fourth-placed RB Leipzig, with 22 games played in the 34-game season.

The Eagles are on track to qualify for the Champions League for just the second time in their history, their first appearance coming after winning the Europa League in 2022.

"Right now, things look pretty nice in the table, but what matters more is how things look on the 34th matchday," Trapp told DAZN.

With a trip to Bayern next week, followed by a home clash against Leverkusen, Frankfurt face the Bundesliga’s top two in the coming fortnight.

"The next two weeks we've got the two top teams ahead of us. In Munich, you know how hard it is—you almost need a perfect day, but we won’t hide," added Trapp.

"After that, we've got the defending German champions—and we won’t be hiding for that one either. We know our qualities."

Mainz won 2-0 at Heidenheim in Sunday’s late game to move up three places to sixth.

Jonathan Burkhardt and Nelson Weiper scored in each half for this season’s surprise package, who narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Hoffenheim took a major step away from the relegation zone, winning 3-1 away at Werder Bremen.

The win, Hoffenheim’s first in a month, came thanks to goals from Anton Stach, Tom Bischof, and Gift Orban.

Hoffenheim now sit seven points clear of Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation playoff spot.

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