Jules Kounde Brace Powers Barcelona To Comeback Win Against Frankfurt

Last Updated:December 10, 2025, 07:58 IST

Jules Kounde scored twice as Barcelona defeat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the Champions League at Camp Nou, boosting hopes of a top-eight finish.

Jules Kounde scores his team's first goal during the Champions League opening phase game between Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt in Barcelona (Picture credit: AP)

Unlikely goalscoring hero Jules Kounde scored two headers to help Barcelona defeat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Tuesday in the Champions League, boosting the club’s chances of finishing in the top eight of the league phase.

Ansgar Knauff gave the visitors a surprise lead, but French defender Kounde’s brace early in the second half put last season’s semi-finalists in control.

In their first Champions League match back at Camp Nou since 2022, Barcelona gained revenge against a Frankfurt side that had humiliated them in the Europa League that same year.

The Bundesliga team had packed the Camp Nou with their own fans and knocked Barca out of that competition during one of their lowest moments under Xavi Hernandez.

With a domestic treble and a run to the final four of the Champions League, Xavi’s successor, Hansi Flick, has improved the mood around Barca. However, the team has struggled at times this season.

Defeats by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain left Barca in a difficult position in Europe, but the win against Frankfurt keeps their hopes alive of avoiding the play-off round.

“I wasn’t surprised (it was hard), the Champions League is different… I am very proud," Flick told reporters.

The coach said making the comeback “shows a lot about our attitude," but acknowledged it would be “a better situation" to take the lead in games.

Barcelona made it harder for Frankfurt fans to obtain tickets this time by delaying their sale. Aside from a small number of visiting supporters who appeared to be ejected from their designated areas, there was little trouble.

Barcelona controlled the opening period, pinning the visitors, who lost 6-0 to RB Leipzig on Saturday in the Bundesliga, back in their own half.

Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski put the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for an offside earlier in the move.

Despite their dominant start, the Catalans fell behind after 21 minutes, caught out by a rapid Frankfurt counter-attack.

Lamine Yamal dribbled into trouble, and Nathaniel Brown surged forward from the back before dropping a ball in behind Barca’s high defensive line for Knauff to chase.

Gerard Martin tried and failed to intercept it with a flick of the leg, and the German striker held off Alejandro Balde before finishing neatly.

Frankfurt defenders scrambled to block a Fermin Lopez effort, as Barca struggled to create clear openings.

Teenage star Yamal could not find a way past Brown in one of his more erratic performances for Barca.

Ellyes Skhiri slammed a shot just over the bar as Frankfurt missed a good chance to extend their lead before half-time, which ultimately cost them.

Barcelona came out strongly in the second half, aided by the introduction of on-loan Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford.

The England international set up Raphinha, who shot over, before delivering a cross for Kounde to head home in the 50th minute.

“Marcus needed to be on the pitch, he gave us the width," explained Flick.

Kounde, who has struggled this season, was Barcelona’s hero against Frankfurt as he scored his second goal three minutes later.

Yamal sent in a high, looping cross that Kounde nodded back across the goal and it dropped in at the far post.

“Kounde is a guy who works a lot; he deserves these goals," said Pedri.

“I think he wasn’t trying to score with the second goal, but I’ll ask him."

Kounde admitted he was a bit surprised when the ball made it into the net.

“I tried to put it back into that zone (at the far post)," he said. “So I was surprised. Sometimes you need a bit of luck."

Unable to secure a third goal to kill off the game, Barca had to endure the final stages, but Frankfurt did not come close to finding an equaliser.

The win left Barca 14th in the table, two points behind Liverpool in eighth, while Frankfurt are down in 30th.

(With AFP Inputs)

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