Barcelona’s unbeaten run to begin the season came to an abrupt end as they fell 2-1 to AS Monaco in their Champions League opener at the Stade Louis II on Thursday.
Eric García’s 10th-minute red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity proved costly, leaving Barcelona to play catch-up for virtually the entire game.
Monaco capitalized on the advantage, with Maghnes Akliouche scoring a stunning left-footed goal to put the hosts ahead.
Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona equalized through Lamine Yamal’s first-ever Champions League goal, but George Ilenikhena’s second-half strike sealed the win for Monaco.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s surprise inclusion of Eric García backfired, and the team’s usually potent attack struggled to create momentum.
The defeat marks Barcelona’s first loss of the season, but the team remains optimistic about their Champions League prospects.
Author
Leave a comment