JARROD BOWEN was denied a sensational overhead kick equaliser by the crossbar as West Ham fell 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt.
With his side trailing in stoppage time, Declan Rice curled a cross into the box in desperation.
Jarrod Bowen hit the bar with a sensational late overhead kickCredit: AFPBowen, 25, rued his bad luck as West Ham lost 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in the first legCredit: Getty
The ball in wasn’t a particularly great one – but Bowen nearly turned water into wine with an incredible piece of agility and improvisation.
Bowen, 25, contorted his body to attempt an overhead kick, making a thunderous connection with the ball.
The unlucky forward saw his effort smack the crossbar, however, with West Ham unable to pick up the pieces.
After striking the bar the ball hit Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, only to be scrambled away by a defender.
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The Germans held on to secure a valuable result, and will go into next week’s semi-final second leg leading 2-1.
Ansgar Knauff, who scored against Barcelona in the last round, got the visitors off to the perfect start in East London – heading beyond Alphonse Areola within 50 seconds.
The Hammers levelled 20 minutes later, when Michail Antonio scrambled Kurt Zouma’s header into the back of the net.
Eintracht reclaimed the lead in the 54th minute, as Daichi Kamada tapped in the rebound after Areola had denied Djibril Sow following a flowing move.
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After the game, during which West Ham hit the woodwork THREE times, Bowen said: “I thought I had scored the first one and it hit the post and the one at the end I just thought hit it and see what happens.
“Unfortunately it didn’t go in but still loads of confidence in this group.
“Antonio’s hold up play is excellent, he’s horrible to play against and to get a goal tonight hopefully gives him a bit confidence.
“We’re behind in the tie.
“We’ve got to face the facts that we’ve got to go there and win and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
Bowen reflects on his side’s performanceCredit: Rex