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Barcelona defender Jules Koundé had to leave the field with an injury. This happened during a Champions League semi-final match against Inter Milan. It is a worrying setback for the Spanish club at an important time in their season.
What Happened During the Match?
Koundé left the pitch in the 40th minute after feeling a twinge in his calf. He signaled for a substitution, and Eric García came on to replace him. Barcelona had just fought back from a two-goal deficit, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres making the score 2-2. Koundé’s absence briefly slowed Barcelona’s momentum during an intense period.
Why This Matters for Barcelona
Koundé’s injury comes at a critical time for Barcelona. They have counted on his defensive stability this season. He played a key role in their recent Copa del Rey win against Real Madrid. Barcelona are second in La Liga, following Real Madrid and competing with Girona for Champions League spots. This season, Koundé has been important to the club, helping both in defense and attack. Losing him while facing a tight schedule is a big concern for coach Hansi Flick.
What’s Next for Barça and Koundé?
Early reports suggest Koundé may have a hamstring or calf problem. He will likely miss at least the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on May 6. Barcelona’s next league game is at Valladolid on Saturday. Eric García is expected to replace Koundé if he is unavailable. The team has to manage these matches without their defensive leader and try to stay near the top of La Liga. Inter, meanwhile, are leading Serie A and are favorites to progress if Barcelona cannot recover quickly.
