Historic Hessen Derby vs Kickers Offenbach

Lore & Background

The rivalry between Eintracht Frankfurt and Kickers Offenbach dates back to the early 20th century, with both clubs based in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. The most notable meeting came in the 1959 German championship final, where Offenbach defeated Eintracht 5–3 after extra time. Eintracht's first national title was actually the 1959 DFB-Pokal (won in 1960). However, the clubs have rarely faced each other in league play in recent decades due to spending most of their history in different divisions.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Waldstadion was thick with smoke and anticipation during those classic autumn evenings of the seventies. Fans from Offenbach had traveled by train just minutes away, their blue scarves stark against the black and white stripes of the home support. The referee's whistle cut through the roar as Eintracht lined up for a crucial kick-off. It was more than three points; it was about who owned the streets between the Main River and Bieberer Berg.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is known as the Hessen Derby. Despite its historical intensity, the two clubs have only played two league matches in the last 40 years, as they have largely been in different tiers of German football. Eintracht Frankfurt has spent most of its history in the Bundesliga, while Kickers Offenbach has often played in lower divisions.

Did You Know?

• Eintracht Frankfurt and Kickers Offenbach met in the 1959 German championship final, which Offenbach won 5–3 after extra time.
• The two clubs have only played two league matches against each other in the last 40 years.
• Eintracht Frankfurt's primary rival is debatable; historically it was Kickers Offenbach, but many now consider 1. FSV Mainz 05 the primary rival.