Another of FC Barcelona's opponents in the 2025/26 UCL League Phase are Eintracht Frankfurt, a club with notable achievements in Europe and an aim to remain among the continental elite on their return. Coached by Dino Toppmöller, the German side are the visitors on 9 December and the match is expected to lively given the fans are known for their passion and unconditional support.

The opponents

Eintracht Frankfurt come into this Champions League campaign with renewed desire on having qualified via the Bundesliga for the first time, showing the strength of their project after their growing recent involvement in European competitions. They have played in every European tournament in recent years — Champions League, Europa League and Conference League — and now it's time for them to get a look at the new UCL League Phase.

There are no superstars in the team, rather they have collective and competitive strength as a solid unit. The squad contains veterans with international experience such as Mario Götze, plus young talents such as Hugo Larsson and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. The latter have proved decisive in recent European campaigns, evidence that the approach adopted by Eintracht Frankfurt is paying off.

Their most important player last season actually left for Liverpool in Hugo Ekitike, who featured most and was the top scorer for the team in the 24/25 season. One of their key men at the back in Tuta also left, but Eintracht Frankfurt have brought in Kristensen (right back), Michel Zetterer (keeper) and Ritsu Doan (winger) accordingly.

Players to watch

Eintracht Frankfurt have several names that could make their mark in this Champions League, with their midfield featuring the talents of Hugo Larsson and Jean-Matteo Bahoya, with both young players blending physicality with tactical acumen to bring balance to the side.

Newly arrived in attack is Ritsu Doan, with the forward already having scored four goals in the Bundesliga. His pace, movement and finishing make him a constant threat for opponents' defences. Kristensen is another one to watch, an attacking fullback who stretches the pitch and brings intensity to the wing.

Past meetings

Barça and Eintracht Frankfurt have hardly ever crossed paths, but the German side's fans will have fond memories all the same. The most recent meeting was in the 2021/22 Europa League quarterfinals, when Eintracht Frankfurt eliminated Barça after a historic performance at the Spotify Camp Nou. After it was 1-1 in the first leg in Frankfurt, the German side ran out 2-3 winners in Barcelona, a game that will still smart for many FC Barcelona fans while the Eintracht Frankfurt fans can look back and savour.

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That knockout clash was their only head-to-head meeting, so the Champions League game on 9 December will also have added meaning on being the first ever game in Europe's premier competition between the clubs.

History

Founded in 1899, Eintracht Frankfurt are one of the most historic clubs in Germany, having had success both domestically and internationally. They won the 1980 UEFA Cup and the 2022 Europa League, plus reached the 1960 European Cup final against Real Madrid. Their identity is clear and based on a multitude of loyal fans who make the Deutsche Bank Park such a difficult place to go for opponents.

That spirit, allied with a mix of solidity and young talent in the squad, sees Eintracht Frankfurt come to the 2025/26 Champions League with the aim of ruffling some feathers and showing that their solidarity on and off the pitch means they can compete with the biggest clubs in Europe.

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