That this Hansi Flick FC Barcelona team never gives up is nothing new at this point, and this UCL matchday six fixture between Barça and Eintracht Frankfurt just reinforces that view. Two headed goals by Jules Kounde early in the second half made the difference this time, confirming yet another comeback (2-1) and three vital UCL points from the first European match at Spotify Camp Nou in over two years.
The match began with the blaugranes putting the visitors' goal under constant threat. First came a couple of excursions down the right flank by Kounde, with the second ending in an effort by Lewandowski that he didn't quite catch properly. The striker then did have the ball in the back of the net after 10 minutes, finishing a cross from Raphinha, but the Brazilian was offside and the goal was ruled out. The defence on the other hand were stifling Eintracht's efforts by repeatedly catching them offside.
Eintracht go ahead
Defender Gerard Martín then came close to breaking the deadlock, as his shot from well outside the area was saved by Zetterer (min 14). However, despite Barça being in control, it was Eintracht Frankfurt who struck first. A counterattack ended up with Knauff slotting a left foot shot past Joan Garcia.
The blaugranes attacked with even more intent and both Fermín (min 26) and Raphinha (min 36) had chances to equalise. However, the visitors' defence stood firm, despite almost 80% possession for the home side in the first half. Half-time score 0-1.
Kounde at the double
Flick's side fired a warning shot over from Raphinha soon after the restart after a combination with Pedri and half-time substitute Rashford. The Englishman was again involved as the blaugranes got their equaliser in the next play, as his great cross from the left to the far post was met by the head of the onrushing Jules Kounde (1-1, min 50).
The scores weren't level for long though, as it was Kounde again just three minutes later who headed in again (2-1, min 53), this time from a Lamine Yamal cross from the left – meaning the winger has the most goal contributions ever for any player aged 18 years or younger in the Champions League. Comeback complete and cue mad scenes among the fans in the Spotify Camp Nou.
Flick sees out the game
The blaugranes kept pressing in the hunt for the third goal, and Flick sent on fresh legs in Ferran and De Jong for Lewandowski and Raphinha. The Spanish forward had two chances virtually straightaway, but the pace gradually dropped as the game went on. Barça remained in control, while Eintracht Frankfurt were looking to counter, but to no avail as the blaugrana defence stood firm with an assured Joan Garcia behind them.
Final score 2-1 and another three points to add the UCL League phase total, as automatic qualification for the next round remains on. Som-hi!