Jules Koundes brace powers Barcelona to comeback triumph over Frankfurt

Jules Kounde emerged as an unexpected scoring sensation with a pair of headers that propelled Barcelona to a 2-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in Tuesdays Champions League clash, enhancing the teams hopes for securing a top-eight position in the league phase.

Ansgar Knauff gave the away team an unanticipated edge, yet the French centre-back Koundes double strike soon after the interval allowed last years semi-finalists to seize command.

Returning to the Camp Nou for their initial Champions League fixture since 2022, Barcelona exacted revenge on Frankfurt, the side that had routed them in the Europa League during that year.

The Bundesliga outfit had filled the stadium with their supporters and eliminated Barca from that tournament amid one of the Catalan clubs most challenging periods under Xavi Hernandez.

Following a treble in domestic competitions and a journey to the Champions League semi-finals, Hansi Flick, who succeeded Xavi, has transformed the atmosphere at Barca, although the squad has encountered difficulties this campaign.

Losses to Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain had placed Barcelona in a precarious spot in Europe, but overcoming Frankfurt keeps them in contention to bypass the play-off stage.

"I expected the challenge, the Champions League stands apart... I feel immense pride," Flick remarked to the press.

The manager noted that the recovery "reveals much about our mindset", though he conceded it would be preferable to lead from the outset in matches.

Barcelona complicated ticket access for Frankfurt followers this occasion by postponing sales, and apart from a handful of away fans seemingly removed from home sections, incidents were minimal.

The hosts dominated the first half, keeping the visitors, fresh off a 6-0 Bundesliga defeat to RB Leipzig at the weekend, hemmed in their half.

Experienced forward Robert Lewandowski found the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an earlier offside infraction.

For all their early superiority, the Catalans trailed after 21 minutes, exposed by a swift Frankfurt break.

Lamine Yamal lost possession while dribbling, enabling Nathaniel Brown to advance from defence before delivering a pass beyond Barcelonas advanced backline for Knauff to pursue.

Gerard Martin attempted a deflection with his foot but missed, allowing the German forward to shrug off Alejandro Balde and slot the ball home precisely.

Frankfurt defenders hurried to thwart a shot from Fermin Lopez, while Barca found it tough to generate obvious chances.

Young prodigy Yamal failed to evade Brown during one of his less consistent performances for the team.

Ellyes Skhiri struck a effort marginally above the crossbar, squandering Frankfurts opportunity to increase their advantage before the break, a miss that proved costly.

Rashfords influence

Barcelona erupted aggressively at the start of the second period, aided by the arrival of Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United loanee winger.

The England star set up Raphinha, whose shot sailed high, then delivered a pinpoint cross for Kounde to nod in during the 50th minute.

"Having Marcus on the field was crucial, he provided essential width," Flick elaborated.

Kounde, enduring a tough season thus far, became Barcelonas standout performer versus Frankfurt by netting his second goal just three minutes on.

Yamal floated a tall, arcing delivery that Kounde headed across the goalmouth, where it nestled into the far corner.

"Kounde puts in tremendous effort, he merits these strikes," Pedri commented.

"For the second one, I believe he aimed to redirect rather than score outright, but Ill check with him."

Kounde confessed to being somewhat taken aback as the ball crossed the line.

"My intent was to guide it towards that area at the far post," he stated. "Thus, the outcome caught me off guard, occasionally fortune plays a role."

Failing to add a third to seal the result, Barcelona endured some anxious moments late on, yet Frankfurt posed no real threat of levelling.

The result positioned Barca 14th in the standings, trailing Liverpool in eighth by two points, with Frankfurt languishing in 30th.