Champions League comeback to recover lost pride against Eintracht

BarcelonaFrom comeback to comeback, and this is their fourth in a row, Hansi Flick's Barça has once again inspired the fans. On the night of Eintracht's return to Barcelona, ​​the Barça faithful—and the club, with preventative measures in place to avoid a repeat of the infamous events of April 14, 2022—silenced the German side on the first Champions League night at the new Camp Nou (2-1). The more than 2,300 visiting fans returned to Frankfurt with their tails between their legs, leaving a deplorable image, throwing beer at the Barça supporters and even a flare, which could have caused serious trouble. The noise and their clumsy behavior weren't enough to beat a Barça side that recovered in the second half, spurred on by Rashford's introduction and a brace from Koundé.

The victory against Eintracht was crucial to remain in contention for a top-eight finish. And they had to fight, even though the Catalans started as favorites. The match began with the Germans trying to string together quick combinations, with Knauff looking to lay the ball off for Götze to launch runs behind Barça's advanced defense. An advanced and well-organized defense, because Flick fielded Cubarsí and Gerard at center-back for the fourth consecutive match. The Germans' plan was as obvious as the first two offside calls: two consecutive plays where the linesman allowed the action to continue despite the blatant fact that, whether it resulted in a goal or not, it would ultimately be disallowed. This angered the fans, who engaged in their own private dispute with whistles and chants to prevent the opposing supporters in the away section from making themselves too loud.

Eintracht's initial attempts failed to trouble a focused Barça side that, little by little, seemed to be converting their control into chances. In fact, Lewandowski headed home a fine cross from Raphinha, but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside. Next up was a confident Gerard. His long-range effort forced Zetterer into a fine save. Barça were feeling comfortable, but the Germans found the net with their first real opportunity. A relentless attack. Brow won back possession, dispossessing Lamine Yamal as he tried to get past him, and produced one of the plays of his life. A powerful run, showcasing his muscular legs, and a cross that Gerard couldn't intercept, fell to Knauff, who outjumped Balde and fired a precise shot past him.

The rush to mount a comeback and referee Davide Massa's leniency towards the Germans' rough play drove Pedri, and by extension the entire Barça team, to distraction. The Canary Islander is the Barça metronome, and his rhythm dictates the pulse of the game. Flick's men went from control to recklessness. Eintracht felt strong, cutting off any passing lanes through the middle. Barça's nervousness couldn't bode well, and their opponents capitalized, nearly scoring a second in another isolated attack orchestrated by the lightning speed of Knauff. This time, he played the role of provider, delivering a ball to the edge of the box that Skhiri sent over the bar, while Joan flew across with a feline leap.

Kounde leads Barça's comeback

At halftime, a visibly angry Flick stormed off to give his players a dressing-down, while Pedri and Raphinha engaged in a serious discussion about the Blaugrana's struggles, and Rashford remained on the pitch to warm up. Things had to change; Barça couldn't afford another Champions League defeat, especially not in their first match of the competition at the new Camp Nou. The second half began with a substitution—Rashford for Fermín, with Raphinha permanently moving into the attacking midfield role—but it continued much as the first half had ended: with Massa failing to show any yellow cards to the Germans and another scare from Knauff, who made a fingertip save to deny Juan. Fortunately, this anxiety would only be momentary, and Barça would respond with pride. Rashford vindicated the manager and soon delivered a fine assist to Raphinha, who, unfortunately, blasted his shot high and wide. It would only be a warning, because immediately the Briton, who was a breath of fresh air for Barça, would deliver a beautiful cross that Kounde—who had just made a couple of defensive blunders—would finish off for the equalizer. The goal lifted the spirits of the fans, who in less than 10 minutes would experience a huge explosion of joy with the Frenchman's second. With the Blaugrana accustomed to such bursts of energy, a short corner taken by Rashford ended with a cross from Lamine Yamal, once again finding Kounde's head after a lapse in the Eintracht defense. A Champions League party in the stadium. The symbiosis between the team and the fans was complete, with a night that would end happily. With Ferran's introduction, Barça continued to attack, searching for a decisive goal that ultimately eluded them. Despite a few scares in the final minutes, the Blaugrana maintained control and the scoreline. A much-needed victory in the Champions League.