Barcelona finally claimed their first-ever victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, fighting back to secure a 2-1 win and extend the Bundesliga side’s winless streak to four matches.

The hosts burst into the game with high intensity, swarming Frankfurt’s back line and forcing early pressure. Robert Lewandowski looked to have opened the scoring with a fine volley in the 10th minute, but the celebration was cut short after VAR ruled an offside in the build-up. Moments later, Gerard Martín took aim from distance, forcing Michael Zetterer into a sharp save as Barcelona continued to probe.

Despite Barça’s dominance, it was Frankfurt who delivered the first blow. In the 21st minute, Nathaniel Brown threaded a clever pass into the path of Ansgar Knauff, who shrugged off his marker and drilled a precise finish beyond Joan García to silence the home crowd.

Barcelona kept control of possession after the setback, but their attacking play repeatedly broke down in the final third. Frankfurt doubled up defensively on Lamine Yamal, while Pedri and Raphinha worked tirelessly to unlock the German back line to little reward. Just before half-time, Knauff turned creator again, teeing up Ellyes Skhiri for a fierce strike that flashed inches over the bar.

Frankfurt came out after the interval with attacking intent, fashioning two decent openings within minutes of the restart. At the other end, Raphinha squandered a promising chance, skying a cut-back from substitute Marcus Rashford over the bar.

But the warning signs for Frankfurt were clear. Rashford soon produced a superb delivery that Jules Kounde powered into the net to level the score. Barely two minutes later, the French defender did it again — another header, another Rashford assist, and Frankfurt’s static defence could only watch.

With the momentum firmly in their favour, Barcelona pushed for a third. Raphinha stung Zetterer’s gloves with a late effort, while Frankfurt resorted to hopeful long balls as they chased an equaliser that never came.

In the end, Xavi’s side saw out the contest with relative comfort, continuing a trend that has defined both teams this campaign: 10 of Barcelona’s 14 Champions League goals have been scored after the break, while 12 of the last 14 that Frankfurt have conceded have also come in the second half.