An utterly disastrous showing at the Camp Now saw Barcelona crash out of Europe at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt. A brace by Filip Kostic saw the German side through into the Europa League semifinals with a resounding 3-2 upset victory at the famous Catalan arena, pushing the visitors past Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate.
Barcelona held 75 percent possession throughout the proceedings, but could not generate good chances, with just 10 total shots across the match to Frankfurt’s 15, most of which came in the final minutes as the hosts scrambled for a late miracle. The few chances Barcelona did create went begging, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing the biggest opportunity just after halftime.
Kostic opened the scoring on a fourth-minute penalty after a foul by Eric Garcia, and there was little response from Barcelona. A great goal by Rafael Borre put the German side 2-0 up before halftime, and it would compound after the break. Kostic got his second from open play after the hour mark, and that essentially closed the door on Barcelona’s European hopes.
Sergio Busquets picked up a consolation goal early in stoppage time with a blistering strike that was befitting of a better game, but was instead wasted in an otherwise forgettable performance. A penalty converted by Memphis Depay closed was the final play of the match for a 3-2 final result in the second leg.
The story of the match, aside from Frankfurt’s devastating counter and comfortable defending, was the reported 30,000 Frankfurt fans that made the trip, dotting the Camp Nou in white.
