If the first step of multi-champion River de Gallardo is the South American Cup, Xavi’s Barcelona seem to be looking for a similar route to get back to the top of Europe. And this Thursday, in the afternoon-evening of the Old Continent, take another step in that quest to “go back to being” in the UEFA Europa League. That is, the culés got a laborious and difficult tie in Frankfurt’s Eintracht field. It is 1-1 and next week will play the second leg in Catalonia for the passage to the semifinals.

Barsa’s stop wasn’t easy, they weren’t happy in Germany. And, if the property was owned by Xavi’s staff, Oliver Glasener’s staff showed a game straight to the bone. Before 10, they had come three times. And, minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty but the VAR saved the Spaniard.

The first goal came in 48 minutes. And it’s local. Ansgar Knauff preceded Eintracht. And that’s where Barsa began to regain control of the game, always following the game’s philosophy of possession and position. Ferran Torres leveled the score in the 66th minute with a great goal scored by Xavi.

The azulgranas had control of the ball, but it was difficult for them to overcome the rough defense of the German team. It was so hard that at the end of the match, the Brazilian Tuta would be expelled due to a double warning.

Frankfurt’s goal started with Knauff, who took advantage of the ball from the front that he placed in the left corner of Marc-André Ter Stegen (48).

And there that the Germans dropped a change, they fell back. Then Barça were more aggressive in hitting Eintracht’s exit and gave their passes more speed until they found the goal.

Ferrán Torres ’goal was a great goal or golón, as they call it today. Double wall with Frenkie de Jong and gentle passing net.

Problems for Eintracht increased with the dismissal of Tuta (78) who forced the German team to endure the final twelve minutes with ten. With one missing, Eintracht dedicated themselves to defending and avoiding a second goal from Barça with a goal in the second leg.

It’s a draw and it’s fair. Defined next week.

Other UEFA Europa League results

RB Leipzig 1 – Atalanta 1
West Ham 1-1 Lyon
Braga 1 – Rangers 0