Champions League: Kounde brace boosts Barcelona top-eight push

Champions League: Kounde brace boosts Barcelona top-eight push

Jules Kounde scored twice to inspire Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, strengthening their bid for a top-eight league-phase finish.

Ansgar Knauff put the visitors ahead against the run of play, but Kounde’s quick-fire double early in the second half turned the match around in Barcelona’s favour.

In their first Champions League game at the Camp Nou since 2022, Barcelona earned a measure of revenge against a Frankfurt side that embarrassed them in the Europa League two years ago, when the German club knocked out Xavi Hernández’s team.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have rediscovered confidence after last season’s domestic treble and Champions League semi-final run.

Barcelona dominated early, penning Frankfurt back, with Robert Lewandowski seeing a goal disallowed for offside. But despite their control, the hosts fell behind in 21 minutes when Lamine Yamal lost possession and Nathaniel Brown launched a rapid counter, sending Knauff through to score.

The second half brought a transformed Barcelona, boosted by the introduction of Marcus Rashford. The England winger created two early opportunities, first for Raphinha and then supplying the cross that Kounde headed in for the equaliser in the 50th minute.

Just three minutes later, Kounde struck again, meeting Yamal’s looping cross and guiding a header back across goal to complete the turnaround.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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