FC Barcelona beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 at Camp Nou in a must-win encounter for both sides. Hansi Flick’s men were desperate to bounce back after a humiliating 0-3 loss away to Chelsea. Eintracht Frankfurt needed a win after a poor start to their campaign, having secured just 4 points from a possible 15.
Lineups
FC Barcelona started in a 4-2-1-3 attacking formation. Raphinha returned to the starting XI following a hamstring injury. Captain Ronaldo Araujo was unavailable for the game after receiving a red card against Chelsea, with Gerard Martín taking his spot in the defence. The visitors, Eintracht Frankfurt, started in a compact 4-5-1 formation to create midfield superiority. Injuries to strikers Batshuayi and Burkhardt forced Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmöller to start 23-year-old Ansgar Knauff as the lone striker.
Knauff Breaks the Deadlock
FC Barcelona dominated the first 20 minutes, creating numerous chances. Frankfurt were forced to defend deep, aiming to strike on the break. Barcelona found the net in the 10th minute, when Robert Lewandowski scored from Raphinha’s cross. However, the goal was ruled out after Raphinha was caught offside. In the 20th minute, against the run of play, Eintracht Frankfurt scored through Ansgar Knauff, shocking Camp Nou. Left-back Nathaniel Brown dribbled past three Barcelona players to deliver a line-breaking pass to Knauff. Knauff utilized his brilliant first touch and pace to get past Balde, before slotting the ball into the back of the net. The goal exposed Barcelona’s familiar defensive woes, with Flick’s side conceding first in their last four matches. Sloppy defending from Martín and Balde led to the goal, giving the visitors much-needed momentum. Frankfurt almost had a 2-0 lead before half-time as Skhiri’s attempt went sailing over the bar in the 46th minute.
Kounde Masterclass secures the victory at Camp Nou
At half-time, Hansi Flick made a quick response, bringing on Marcus Rashford for Fermín López, who struggled in the first half. The change turned the course of the game, with Rashford delivering a beautiful assist for Jules Koundé, who powered Barcelona to an equalizer. In the 53rd minute, Koundé once again stunned Frankfurt’s defence, heading in Lamine Yamal’s cross to secure the lead for Barcelona. Barcelona almost had a third goal, with Rashford’s shot being deflected by Arthur Theate.
Both managers moved to their benches with Barcelona bringing on Frenkie De Jong and Ferran Torres for Raphinha and Lewandowski to control the tempo. Frankfurt, in search of an equalizer, brought on Elye Wahi and Mahmoud Dahoud for Knauff and Hugo Larsson. Ferran Torres was able to create a few chances, but failed to convert them. Frankfurt brought on more attacking options, bringing on Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Can Uzun for Mario Götze and Farès Chaïbi.
Eintracht Frankfurt made their final change in the dying minutes, bringing on striker Jessic Ngankam for Ritsu Doan. Barcelona completed their changes, withdrawing Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde for Ronny Bardghji and Andreas Christensen, to strengthen the defence. FC Barcelona were eventually able to hold on to the lead, securing their first Champions League victory at Camp Nou this season.
Booking Summary
FC Barcelona: 🟨 Gerard Martín (60’), Lamine Yamal(56’)
Eintracht Frankfurt: 🟨 Ansgar Knauff (27’)
