FC Barcelona will have at least avoided sinking! In a match that was largely controlled by the Catalans, it was the Germans from Frankfurt who proved to be the most dangerous. Led, Barça was able to recover to equalize and thus come out of this match with a precious draw in this quarter-final first leg of the Europa League (1-1).
In great form since the start of 2022, Barça have been trampling. Favorites of the match once morest a Frankfurt 9th in the Bundesliga, the Spanish team had possession without really dominating (66%). Sterile, the visitors suffered numerous counter-attacks from Eintracht, suffering in particular enormously in midfield.
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In the first period, Barça did not get many chances, the fault of a rather effective pressing of their opponents. Frankfurt has indeed made sure to control the midfield, preventing Gavi and Pedri from touching balls (24 for the first, 16 for the second in the first period). A pressing that cut off most Catalan offensive attempts and thus prevented Kévin Trapp from working too hard.
Then, on returning from the locker room, Eintracht started the second. In the 48th minute, Ansgar Knauff unleashed a superb strike from outside the area in the top corner, giving Frankfurt the advantage (1-0). Still as little dangerous, the Barcelonans raised their heads following the entry into play of Ousmane Dembélé and Frankie De Jong. Two changes that allowed Xavi’s men to improve the team’s attacking transition to finally equalize. A goal scored by Torres following a superb one-two with De Jong (1-1, 66th).
Despite numerous attempts from both sides and a burst of pride from the Catalans, the teams finally separated in a draw (1-1). The second leg will be played at Camp Nou on April 14 for a place in the Europa League semi-finals. A match that will have to be managed for Barça while the goal scored away from home will not play in their favor during the return.
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