Filip Kostić’s double and Rafael Borré’s wonder goal ensured Frankfurt could hold off a late Barcelona comeback to secure a semi-final place.
Match in brief: Eagles soar in Camp Nou
The visitors got off to a dream start with Filip Kostić emphatically converting a fourth-minute spot kick, after Eric García had impeded Jesper Lindstrøm.
Barcelona almost levelled shortly after, but Kevin Trapp was equal to Ronald Araújo’s snap-shot – and Frankfurt promptly regained control. Indeed, the visitors doubled their lead in emphatic fashion, Rafael Borré sending a thumping right-footed effort into the roof of the net, after their press had disrupted the Barça midfield.
The hosts were the better side after the restart, with Trapp spreading himself well to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from close range. But Kostić had other ideas and, with just over 20 minutes left, the Serbia winger rifled in a crisp strike for the Bundesliga side’s third.
The Blaugrana pressed in their efforts to spark an unlikely comeback, and were almost rewarded in added time via Sergio Busquets’ fierce strike and substitute Memphis Depay’s penalty, with Evan N’Dicka dismissed for a second bookable offence. It was too little, too late, as Oliver Glasner’s men held on to record a famous victory.
Reaction
Oliver Glasner, Frankfurt coach: “It was incredible how the lads performed tonight. We made it a bit too exciting in the end, which was unnecessary. Lots of compliments for our boys and our fans. Everyone who could be here tonight will never forget this.”
Kevin Trapp, Frankfurt goalkeeper: “Yes, I am [speechless]. Nobody expected this, if you are honest. Everyone expected us to suffer, that they would have lots of possession. We needed to take our chances and today we were very efficient.
Xavi Hernández, Barcelona coach: “We were trying for some heroics at the end, but it wasn’t sufficient. We didn’t play the best way – in fact, we weren’t good tonight. They played well on the counterattack and although their second was a fantastic goal, it stemmed from a very silly mistake of ours.”
Ronald Araújo, Barcelona defender: “What a pity to lose this match – notwithstanding the result, we did what we’d been working on in training. It’s a pity because they hit us at all the crucial moments. There were errors you can’t commit in European football and that’s why we’re out.”
Key stats
Kostić’s opener was the earliest penalty goal conceded by Barcelona in UEFA competition.
Aubameyang failed to score in a home appearance against Frankfurt for the first time in his career, at the sixth time of asking.
Frankfurt are unbeaten in their five UEFA competition away meetings versus Spanish sides, winning four.
Barcelona suffered their first loss in 16 matches across all competitions.
