Eintracht Frankfurt humbles Barcelona to advance to Europa League semi-finals

Eintracht Frankfurt shell shocks Barcelona

The German club performed well beyond expectations, with over 30,000 of their fans attending the match. Underdogs Eintracht Frankfurt stunned the hosts, Barcelona, to result in a major upset on Friday. Barcelona were favorites after the side finished 1-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals last week in Germany.

Filip Kostic scored the opening goal on a fourth-minute penalty following a foul by Eric Garcia. There was little reaction from Barcelona to it. Thanks to Rafael Borre's stunning strike, the German side went up 2-0 before the half-time break.

After the hour mark, Kostic scored his second goal from open play. This effectively ended Barcelona's European ambitions.Sergio Busquets scored a consolation goal in stoppage time. His blistering strike was a suitable match for a better game, but was wasted on an otherwise disappointing performance. Memphis Depay converted a penalty to close the match. This finalized the match at a 3-2 final score in the second leg.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who have been unbeaten away from home this season, will now face West Ham United in the semi-finals of the Europa League. The German club last reached the semi-finals stage in 2019 and will be adamant about getting to the finals this time around. On the other hand, West Ham United comes to the semi-finals with a 4-1 aggregate win over Olympique Lyonnais.

In the other semi-final of the Europa League, RB Leipzig has booked a spot with Rangers F.C. in the last four by beating the Italian side Atalanta B.C. 2-0.

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández disappointed after Europa League exit

Barcelona supremo Xavi Hernández described his team's 3-2 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou as a "very big disappointment," as the Catalonians finished their European campaign in the quarterfinal stage.

Barcelona were outplayed on both sides of the tie, and Frankfurt won at Camp Nou. This was in front of nearly 30,000 German fans who came to Camp Nou to witness history being made by their football club.

“A real shame because we wanted to win this competition,” Xavi said. “But we have to congratulate Eintracht. They deserved to advance to the semis, and we didn't do well. We didn't play like we have recently. That is why we're out.”