Kounde Double Sparks Barcelona Comeback as Frankfurt Fall at Camp Nou

Barcelona marked the return of Champions League football to Camp Nou with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, keeping their knockout ambitions alive after a dramatic second-half turnaround.

The night had threatened to unravel for the hosts in the first half. Despite dominating possession and pinning Frankfurt deep in their own half, Barcelona were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined German back line and a clear lack of incision in the final third. That vulnerability was exposed on 21 minutes when Frankfurt struck on the counter. Nathaniel Brown released Ansgar Knauff in behind Barca’s high defensive line, and the winger showed composure beyond his years to shrug off Alejandro Balde before drilling a low finish past Joan Garcia into the bottom corner.

The goal stunned Camp Nou and suited Frankfurt perfectly. Dino Toppmoller’s side sat deep, absorbed pressure and protected their narrow advantage through to half-time, leaving Barcelona with growing anxiety as their xG remained modest despite territorial dominance.

Hansi Flick responded decisively at the break, introducing Marcus Rashford, and the impact was immediate. Five minutes into the second half, the Englishman made his presence felt with a teasing delivery from the left flank. Jules Kounde timed his run perfectly and powered a close-range header beyond Kevin Trapp to restore parity.

Frankfurt barely had time to regroup before Barcelona struck again. Three minutes later, Lamine Yamal found space on the left and clipped in another inviting cross. Once more, Kounde rose highest at the back post, guiding his header into the bottom corner to complete a remarkable turnaround and send the home crowd into raptures.

With the lead secured, Barcelona played with greater freedom and confidence. Rashford, Yamal and Lewandowski all went close to extending the advantage, while Frankfurt struggled to recreate the sharp counter-attacking threat that had brought them success in the first half. To their credit, the visitors kept pushing, but the Blaugrana defence held firm during a nervy closing spell.

The underlying numbers reflected Barcelona’s superiority after the break, with the hosts posting an xG of 1.43 compared to Frankfurt’s 0.77. More importantly, the victory pulls Barca clear of immediate danger and keeps them firmly in contention for a top-eight finish as the league phase enters its decisive stages.

Frankfurt, meanwhile, slip further towards elimination with just four points from six matches, their hopes of progression now hanging by a thread.

For Barcelona, this was more than just three points. It was a timely reminder of their resilience, their depth, and their continued belief that European nights at Camp Nou can still swing firmly in their favour.