Barcelona defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2:1 and is now in the top half of the Champions League standings, sportal.bg reported.
The Catalans played a weak first half, in which they conceded a goal, the work of Ansgar Knauf, and created almost nothing in front of the opponent's goal. After the break, however, Hansi Flick's team completely dominated and made a quick turnaround with two goals within three minutes, scored by defender Jules Kunde.
The French international became the first player in Barca's history to score two goals with a header in one match in the Champions League. The hosts had chances to make their victory even more convincing, but Eintracht couldn't match the Catalans' high tempo and registered their fourth loss in the tournament.
Barcelona was on a strong run in La Liga, recording six consecutive wins and has a 4-point lead over Real Madrid. Over the weekend, the Catalans triumphed against Betis in a real shootout in Seville - 5:3.
Hansi Flick relied on Robert Lewandowski in the front positions, who was rested at "La Cartuja". Rafinha, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal formed the hosts' offensive line, while Pedri and Eric Garcia partnered in midfield. Joan Garcia stood in goal, and the defenders in front of him were Jules Kunde, Pau Kubarsi, Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde.
Eintracht arrived in Spain in poor form. "The Eagles" have not won any of their last three games, and just a few days ago they conceded six unanswered goals in their away game against RB Leipzig.
For the visitors from Germany, Ansgar Knauf started in the forward positions, assisted by Mario Götze and Ritsu Doan. Rasmus Christensen, Chaibi Fares, Hugo Larsson and Nathaniel Brown were the four in the midfield, and the defenders in front of Michael Zeterer were Robin Koch, Ellis Skiri and Arthur Theate.
Barcelona settled into the opponent's half immediately after the first whistle, but Eintracht acted very compactly and did not allow dangerous situations to arise in front of the goal, guarded by Zeterer. In the 11th minute, Lewandowski intercepted a sharp cross from the left flank and sent the ball into the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside. A little later, a long-range shot by Gerard Martin made it difficult for Zeterer, but he managed to clear it for a corner.
In the 21st minute, Eintracht surprisingly took the lead. Nathaniel Brown, who was also being watched by Barcelona, stole the ball in the middle of the field and immediately passed it to Knauf. The visitors' striker advanced through the center and with a measured shot directed it into the lower left corner of the goal. A little later, the "eagles"'s blade again escaped the Barca defense, but was blocked at the last moment.
Barcelona's game was not controversial throughout the first half, although the team had a great territorial advantage. Lamine Yamal was active on the right flank, but when he received the ball, he could not find a way to get into a shooting position. It was also difficult for Lewandowski because of the very solid actions of the Eintracht defenders.
Shortly before the end of the half, passions heated up because of an uncalled yellow card for Eric Garcia. The guests could have retired to the dressing rooms with a two-goal lead, but in their next supersonic counterattack, Ellis Skiri did not take advantage of Knauf's wonderful pass and shot over the crossbar.
Hansi Flick did not hesitate to replace the unconvincing Fermin Lopez with Marcus Rashford and this turned out to be a very good move. The English striker immediately began to worry the Eintracht defense. His first breakthrough created an opportunity for Rafinha, but he shot wide. In the 50th minute, Rashford crossed to Jules Kunde at the far post and the Frenchman equalized - 1:1.
This goal caused serious confusion in the ranks of the guests. Their organized defensive play turned into chaos, which Barcelona punished. Just three minutes after his goal to make it 1-1, Kunde was again in the right place to bring the fans to their feet at the "Camp Nou". The cross came from Lamine Yamal, and Kunde was the fastest in the penalty area and checked Zeterer.