Barcelona superstar earns spot in Champions League Team of the Week after standout display vs Frankfurt | OneFootball

Jules Kounde has experienced several standout nights since arriving at Barcelona, but his performance in the dramatic comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League group stage will go down as one of the defining moments of his time at the club. 

For many, it now sits right alongside his unforgettable goal against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, a moment that had already cemented his reputation as a big-game performer.

On a night when Barcelona’s hopes of reaching the top eight were beginning to fade, the team looked increasingly vulnerable as the German team took a 1-0 lead and threatened to tighten their grip on the game. 

The atmosphere around the stadium reflected that anxiety, with fans fearing that the club’s path to the round of 16 was slipping away once again. Yet Kounde refused to let the narrative unfold in that direction.

Recognition for his performance

The French full-back stepped forward at the crucial moment, rising to the occasion both literally and figuratively. 

After a well-delivered cross from Marcus Rashford, Kounde met the ball with perfect timing, powering a header past the Frankfurt goalkeeper and breathing life back into the Barça side. 

Soon after, a second opportunity arrived, this time from a precise delivery by Lamine Yamal, and once again, Kounde delivered with another expertly placed header. 

Those two goals not only saved Barcelona but also restored belief in the squad’s ability to fight until the final whistle.

Kounde’s heroics did not go unnoticed, as his match-winning contribution earned him a deserved place in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Week for Matchday 6, and he has also been nominated for the Player of the Week award.

Making a habit

Barcelona have now become regular contributors to UEFA’s weekly recognitions. 

Notably, Fermin Lopez previously earned a spot in the best XI of matchday 3 after scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Olympiacos. 

Furthermore, Marcus Rashford also featured in the best XI on matchday 1 following his impressive brace in the win over Newcastle United. 

Ultimately, both players went on to win the Player of the Week honour.