Eintracht Frankfurt battled well in Barcelona and even took the lead through Ansgar Knauff, but the Eagles were eventually overcome thanks to a Jules Koundé double in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona 2-1 Frankfurt
Goals: 0-1 Knauff 21' (assist: Brown), 1-1 Koundé 50' (assist: Rashford), 2-1 Koundé 53' (assist: Yamal)
After losing 3-0 at home to Atalanta last time out in the Champions League and 6-0 away to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga at the weekend, Frankfurt were keen to display a different side to their game in Barcelona.
Dino Toppmöller decided to deploy his troops in a well-organised low block to try and deny Barcelona space. However, that tactic very nearly came undone after just 10 minutes, when ex-Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski slid in to turn home a Raphinha cross from the left. Luckily for the visitors, Raphinha was offside in the build-up, and the goal was chalked off.
Frankfurt were forced to defend as a unit to deny Barcelona in the opening 45. - JOSEP LAGO
Just four minutes later, Michael Zetterer was called into action when Gerard Martín let fly from the edge of the box, but the Frankfurt keeper was alert to make a good stop.
Then came the Frankfurt sucker punch as Nathaniel Brown pinched the ball off Lamine Yamal and skipped past a couple of tackles to set Knauff free through the centre. The forward then held off the challenge of Alejandro Balde before slotting past Joan García to give the visitors a shock lead with their first shot of the game.
Just before the break, Ellyes Skhiri almost added a second, but could only curl his effort over the bar.
Knauff opened the scoring having also scored in Frankfurt's two-legged victory last time the teams met. - Eric Alonso
Frankfurt continued to push immediately after the break, as first Farès Chaïbi had a shot from range saved, and then a deflected cross was clawed away from danger by Joan García.
However, Barcelona were playing with renewed vigour, with substitute Marcus Rashford causing the visitors immediate problems. Just moments after creating a big chance for Raphinha, the Englishman got his assist when he sent in a superb cross from the left that Jules Koundé stooped to power home with a bullet header.
Then, just three minutes later, the Frenchman added a second to give Barcelona the lead as the hosts worked a short corner to Yamal, who once again found Koundé at the back post to head home.
A Jules Koundé double turned the game on its head after the break. - IMAGO/Joan Gosa
The goals opened the game up as Frankfurt were forced to come out of their shell, leading to a chance at both ends in the 59th minute as first Arthur Theate was denied at one end, before the defender turned saviour at the other to block a dangerous Rashford effort.
Three minutes later, Raphinha worked himself some space with some quick feet and forced Zetterer into another good stop. Substitute Ferran Torres then kept the Frankfurt keeper honest in the 71st minute when he forced Zetterer into two more saves.
Frankfurt tried to push for an equaliser late on as Can Uzun made his return to action, but in the end, Barcelona held on to grind out the narrow win.
The result sees Frankfurt slip to 30th in the league phase with just four points from six games and in danger of dropping out of the competition.
Match stats
- Frankfurt beat Barcelona 3-2 in Spain the last time these teams met, in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final in 2021/22, en route to winning the title.
- Knauff and Timothy Chandler are the only players still in the Frankfurt squad from those games.
- Eintracht reached the last 16 in their previous Champions League campaign in 2022/23.
- Since beating Galatasaray 5-1 on Matchday 1, the Eagles have registered four defeats and a draw in the Champions League.
- Lewandowski (Bayern and Dortmund), Marc-André ter-Stegen, Andreas Christensen (both Borussia Mönchengladbach), Dani Olmo (Leipzig), and coach Hansi Flick (Bayern) have all spent time in the Bundesliga.
Teams
Barcelona: J. García – Koundé, Cubarsi, Martín, Baldé (Christensen 89’) – E. García, Pedri – Yamal (Bardghji 89’), López (Rashford 46’), Raphinha (c) (De Jong 66’) – Lewandowski (Torres 66’)
Unused subs: Ter Stegen, Szczęsny, Casado, Bernal, Torrents, Fernández,
Out: Araújo (suspended), Gavi (knee), Olmo (shoulder)
Coach: Hansi Flick
Frankfurt: Zetterer – Kristensen, Koch (c), Theate, Brown – Skhiri, Larsson (Dahoud 68’) – Dōan (Ngankam 89’), Chaïbi (Bahoya 77’), Götze (Uzun 77’) – Knauff (Wahi 68’)
Unused subs: Grahl, Kauã Santos, Baum, Amenda, Højlund, Buta, Collins
Out: Batshuayi (foot), Burkardt (calf), Chandler (knock)
Coach: Dino Toppmöller
As it happened!
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Full-time: Barcelona 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Despite an encouraging performance in so many ways, two quick-fire goals conceded at the start of the second half see Frankfurt narrowly beaten for their fourth loss in six league phase matches in the UEFA Champions League.
© JOSEP LAGO
Full-time
Not quite
That's a decent ball into the box from the right from Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, but Garcia claims.
Four additional minutes indicated
Can Frankfurt land a late twist to snatch a result?
Eagles eager
Frankfurt have tried to make things happen in the final period, without creating any serious chances. Barcelona are happy to zip the ball around and wind the clock down.
Frankfurt free-kick
Uzun is brought down on the left, and Dōan crosses it into the area, only for Garcia to claim confidently.
Action at both ends
Zetterer stops a Balde shot from a narrow angle before Dōan hoists a cross from the right towards Elye Wahi, only for Garcia to claim it in the Barcelona goal.
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Can Frankfurt reclaim the initiative?
Dino Toppmöller brings on the youthful attacking pair of Can Uzun and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya for the remainder. The game has quietened down a tad in recent minutes with Barcelona thinking they are in control, despite their slender lead.
© IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus
Wahi in behind
That's better for Eintracht Frankfurt - as substitute Elye Wahi creeps in behind the defence and takes a through ball, only for the play to be halted for offside.
Torres testers
The Barcelona substitute looks eager to get on the scoresheet - but draws two saves from Zetterer to keep Frankfurt in the game.
Two changes apiece
Hugo Larsson and Elye Wahi are on for Frankfurt - who haven't really found a footing going forward since conceding the two goals. Can they help inspire a late rally?
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Time to regather
Frankfurt had chances to double their lead in that frantic start to the second half before the double blow came. There may be more opportunities for them if they can keep a confident Barcelona at bay...
© IMAGO/Jose Breton
Zetterer down
Raphinha drives low from the edge of the area and forces the Frankfurt goalkeeper to make a strong save.
Chances at both ends
Dahoud puts a very dangerous free-kick into the box from the left that Barcelona can clear before Rashford - who has been quite the handful since coming on for the second half, turns the ball over the bar in a good opportunity for a third.
Yellow for Yamal
The Barcelona winger brings down Brown and is shown a yellow card.
Oh no!
Within three minutes, Frankfurt have drifted behind - as full-back Koundé gets on the end of another fine cross from the left, this time by Yamal, and heads past Zetterer.
Frankfurt pegged back
Just like that, the Eagles are back on level terms - with half-time substitute Marcus Rashford curling a superb cross from the left that defender Koundé slams into the net with a bullet header.
Frankfurt come again
Just like in the first period, Frankfurt are finding space easy to come by when they venture forward, with Chaïbi having a shot saved, and the Eagles working the ball across the goalmouth just moments later - only for an offside flag to be raised.
Can they cling on?
We're back underway, with Eintracht immediately dropping back to soak up another Barcelona passing move.
Kick-off!
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Half-time: Barcelona 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Hands up who saw that coming? Frankfurt have put in an incredible opening 45 minutes in Barcelona, snatching the lead on the break through Knauff and holding firm at the back, putting them on course for some massive Champions League points. A big second half awaits!
© IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus
Half-time
Skhiri skies it
A chance for a second! Ellyes Skhiri takes a ball from the right and curls it over the crossbar.
Knauff offside
Barca threaten on a quick attack, but Frankfurt then do the same, with Knauff once more getting behind the defensive line only to see the flag go up.
Chaïbi treated
The midfielder needs some seeing to after being on the wrong end of a rough challenge by Eric García.
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Knauff has done it before
The Eintracht attacker also netted when Frankfurt knocked Barcelona out of the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, scoring in a 1-1 draw in Germany in the first leg.
© Eric Alonso
Raphinha rumbled
The Barca winger has an effort from the edge of the area, which a Frankfurt defender gets a big block to - sending the ball harmlessly through to Zetterer.
Sterile possession?
Barcelona keep moving the ball around but are finding chances harder to come by with Frankfurt digging in.Knauff wants another
The Eintracht number 7 scampers inside from the right into the centre of the area but gets blocked.
Scorer in book
Knauff brings Pedri down when he was heading towards the area and receives a yellow card. Lewandowski is then flagged offside from Raphinha's free-kick.
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Efficient Eintracht
Frankfurt took the lead with their first shot of the evening - can their defence hold against the expected onslaught?
© IMAGO/Joaquim Ferreira
Knauff clips Frankfurt in front!
Sensational scenes! Nathaniel Brown takes the ball forward on the left and plays a delightful pass through to Knauff, who holds off his marker superbly and turns the visitors in front!
Skhiri down
Frankfurt's defensive midfielder is receiving treatment, and we will have to see if he can continue.
Hosts on front foot
It's threatening to be a long night for Frankfurt as Barcelona continue to probe for an opener, but the visitors are still on level terms for now.Zetterer to the rescue
Barcelona are moving the ball around nicely now and testing Frankfurt's resolve. It falls to Martín around 20 yards out, whose drive is tipped over the bar well by Zetterer.
The ball is in Frankfurt's net...
Lewandowski races to turn a cross from Raphinha in on the slide - but the winger was offside when receiving the ball on the left, and Eintracht are still level.
Almost in again
Knauff tries to probe Barcelona's notorious high line but dashes too soon and is adjudged offside when a ball is hooked towards him.
Lewandowski snatches a shot
Koundé heads a long pass down on the edge of the box, and the former Bayern man tries to hit an acrobatic effort, but scuffs it into the turf.
Eagles dare
Knauff races forward down the left and cuts the ball in to Götze in the box, who tries to dink a pass back to Knauff over the defence - but the attacker was offside.
And we're off!
Frankfurt are the opposition in the first UEFA Champions League match at the reconstructed Camp Nou in three years.
Kick-off!
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Ngankam included
Jessic Ngankam makes a Champions League squad for the first time for Frankfurt, despite the striker not being in the Eagles' initial competition roster. UEFA have made an exception and allowed his inclusion tonight due to injuries to Jonathan Burkardt and Michy Batshuayi.
© IMAGO/Jan Huebner
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The scene is set
It would take some performance for Frankfurt to claim a result tonight, but if there is any setting that has to inspire them it would have to be Camp Nou in Barcelona.
© Eric Alonso
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More on that Barcelona team
Former Bayern coach Hansi Flick makes three changes to the side that won 5-3 at Real Betis - with the star attacking trio of Fermin López, Raphinha and Lewandowski in for Bardghji, Rashford and Ferran Torres.
© IMAGO/Urbanandsport
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More on that Frankfurt team
Dino Toppmöller makes four changes to the side that started the 6-0 humbling in Leipzig at the weekend, with Skhiri, Larsson, Götze and Knauff coming in for Collins, Dahoud, Bahoya (who drop to the bench) and the injured Batshuayi.
© IMAGO/Florian Ulrich
Barcelona starting XI
J. García – Koundé, Cubarsi, Martín, Balde – E. García, Pedri – Yamal, López, Raphinha (c) – Lewandowski
Frankfurt starting XI
Zetterer – Kristensen, Koch (c), Theate, Brown – Skhiri, Larsson – Dōan, Chaïbi, Götze – Knauff
Barcelona subs
Ter Stegen, Szczęsny, Ferran Torres, Rashford, Christensen, Casadó, De Jong, Bernal, Torrents, Dro Fernández, Bardghji
Frankfurt subs
Grahl, Kauã Santos, Baum, Amenda, Højlund, Wahi, Dahoud, Bahoya, Buta, Ngankam, Collins, Uzun
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Injury news
Toppmöller also shed light on the injury situation at Frankfurt, especially after Batshuayi had to be withdrawn at half-time in the defeat to Leipzig. The club has since confirmed the Belgian striker suffered a midfoot fracture and has undergone surgery but will be sidelined with no timeline provided for a potential return. Toppmöller had this to say: “Michy Batshuayi will be out, just like Jonny Burkardt and Timothy Chandler, who got injured in training yesterday. Apart from that, we have everyone on board.”
© Maja Hitij
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Toppmöller earmarks Yamal
The Frankfurt boss was full of praise for Barcelona's star youngster, highlighting in his press conference: “Lamine Yamal embodies world-class quality in all the positions he plays. He has spent a lot of time on the wing recently, but he can also play centrally. Ultimately, we have to defend against him as a collective.”
© IMAGO/Joris Verwijst
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Mario Götze on the task ahead
"Every player at Eintracht Frankfurt knows what's at stake. We know what we've already achieved in this season and we must remind ourselves of that. In the Champions League, small details make the difference. We need to defend well and keep being dangerous up front time and again. It's about pushing our performance to the limit."
© Imago
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Dino Toppmöller on facing Barcelona
"Barcelona thrilled all of Europe last season alongside Paris [Saint Germain], and right now they're top of the table in Spain. An attacking force is coming our way. We need to suffer, run a lot, and support each other. The opponent has serious quality, but we should focus on the things that are in our hands."
© Imago
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Hansi Flick on facing Frankfurt
"It's a special team. I lived near there and my grandson is a fan. They work well, but perhaps lack a bit of consistency. However, they have personality and rhythm and they can hurt their opponents."
© Imago
Frankfurt forlorn
A 6-0 defeat in Leipzig gave Eintracht an evening to forget before travelling to Barcelona.
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Barcelona bouyant
A Ferran Torres hat-trick in a 5-3 win at Real Betis on Saturday moved Barca four points clear of arch rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
© IMAGO/Jose Luis Contreras
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Historic night in store
The match will be the first Champions League encounter at the legendary Camp Nou since its recent reopening following rebuilding work.
© IMAGO/Xavi Bonilla / DeFodi Images
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Dino looking to 2022
Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller told the Bundesliga how the club's famous win in Barcelona in 2022 can inspire Eintracht's current crop, saying: "That experience was probably unique in football history, and it is wonderful that Eintracht Frankfurt was able to write exactly that story — with the result, and with that many fans in the stadium. It will remain unforgettable for everyone. Now it is a completely different situation. It is a different competition — back then Europa League, now Champions League. We should all look forward to the match. It is something very special to step onto that pitch. And together with our fans, we can always surprise people — that is clear."
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel/IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel
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Familiar faces
They are several Bundesliga alumni amongst the Barcelona squad. Former Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is injured and will miss out, but fellow ex-Gladbach man Andreas Christensen could feature following Ronald Araújo's red card against Chelsea. Ex-RB Leipzig man Dani Olmo is also unavailable, while Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski should lead the line.
© Sergio Ruiz / Imago
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Head-to-head
These teams have met just twice before, but it was a memorable tie for Frankfurt. The Eagles were drawn against the Spanish giants in the quarter-finals of the 2021/22 Europa League and, after a draw at home, around 30,000 supporters saw their team prevail 3-2 at the Camp Nou to progress. That term, Frankfurt went on to win the trophy.
© IMAGO/Joan Gosa/IMAGO/Xinhua
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Barcelona - the story so far
Barcelona have fared slightly better, but have hardly shone. There have been high points - such as the 6-1 win over Olympiacos and the 2-1 defeat of Newcastle United - yet losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have put them in a potentially precarious position heading into the final three league phrase matches.
© IMAGO/Sebastian Frej
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Eintracht Frankfurt - the story so far
After five games, Frankfurt are in need of points if they want to stay in the competition beyond the league phase. They started off with a memorable 5-1 win over Galatasaray, but then suffered back-to-back defeats by the same scoreline versus Atlético Madrid and Liverpool. A 0-0 draw with Napoli steadied the ship somewhat, yet another heavy loss, this time 3-0 against Atalanta, disrupted things once more.
© IMAGO/Jan Huebner
Welcome!
Welcome along and thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of Eintracht Frankfurt's Champions League encounter away at Barcelona on Matchday 6 of the league phase, which kicks off at 9pm CET on Tuesday.
