- Koundé Double Crowns Emotional Homecoming for Flick’s Men
- BARCELONA 2 – 1 EINTRACHT FRANKFURT
By SCM SPORT REPORTER
CAMP NOU- Jules Koundé was the unlikely hero last night, scoring a stunning second-half double to seal a vital 2-1 Champions League victory for Barcelona—but the real star of the show was the majestic, partially reopened Spotify Camp Nou.
For the first time in over two years, the famous ground—currently undergoing a massive, multi-billion-euro transformation—opened its doors to European elite competition, and the atmosphere was simply electric.
A capacity of roughly 45,000 roared their team home, turning what could have been a nervy night into a pulsating celebration of the stadium’s dramatic comeback.
Frankfurt Takes the Lead
Despite the celebratory mood and Barça’s dominance in possession, Eintracht Frankfurt tried to spoil the party.
The German side, who famously knocked the Catalans out of the Europa League in 2022, took a shock 21st-minute lead through Ansgar Knauff, silencing the newly laid tiers of the South Goal.
Hansi Flick’s side looked rattled, struggling to break down a stubborn Frankfurt defence for the remainder of the first half. It appeared the grandeur of the renovated stadium might not be enough to inspire the necessary breakthrough.
Koundé Fires the Comeback
But the second half was a different story, and it was a man more famed for his defensive work who provided the spark.
Just five minutes after the restart, defender Jules Koundé rose highest to bullet home a header, levelling the scores and sending the partial crowd into raptures.
The roar was deafening, a taste of the colossal noise the new, full-capacity Camp Nou promises to deliver.
In a moment of pure disbelief, Koundé was at it again just three minutes later! Another brilliant delivery found the French international, who bagged his second header of the night to complete a sensational turnaround and make it 2-1.
The quick-fire double was enough to secure three crucial points for Barcelona as they fight for an automatic qualification spot in the league phase.
