Jules Kounde emerged as Barcelona’s unlikely match-winner on Tuesday, scoring two second-half headers to secure a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League and strengthen the club’s push for a top-eight league-phase finish.

Ansgar Knauff had stunned the Camp Nou with a first-half opener, but Kounde — struggling for form this season — turned the game around within three minutes after the interval. His brace delivered a measure of revenge against a Frankfurt side that famously eliminated Barcelona from the Europa League in 2022, a night when the German club’s fans flooded the stadium.

Back at Camp Nou for their first Champions League home match since 2022, Barcelona dominated early but were punished on the break as Knauff raced onto Nathaniel Brown’s pass to score. The hosts pushed for a response, but struggled to create clear chances and were nearly two goals down when Ellyes Skhiri fired just over before half-time.

Hansi Flick’s side came out rejuvenated after the restart, helped by Marcus Rashford’s introduction. The on-loan winger created two quick openings — one squandered by Raphinha — before delivering the cross that Kounde headed in for the equaliser on 50 minutes. Moments later, Lamine Yamal’s looping ball allowed Kounde to nod in the winner at the far post.

Barcelona failed to find a third to put the game out of reach, but Frankfurt offered little threat late on as the Catalans held firm to claim a vital victory, keeping alive their hopes of avoiding the Champions League play-off round.