AS Monaco secured a narrow win over Barcelona, who looked lost for much of the evening action in France.
The hosts dictated play from time to time, as Hansi Flick’s side surprisingly took the conservative approach.
Barcelona Midfielder Eric Garcia Red Carded Early On In Their Clash Against AS Monaco
Barcelona suffered a big blow early on in the affair, as midfielder Eric Garcia was brandished a red card in the 10th minute.
Six minutes later, Maghnes Akliouche put AS Monaco ahead, with the Frenchman driving forward and showing some artistry before powering a low effort past Ter Stegen, who manned the post for the visitors.
Two minutes before the half-hour mark, Lamine Yamal also displayed his brilliance as he smashed a low strike into the bottom corner of the net to hand Barcelona the equalizer after driving infield.
Lamine Yamal Becomes 2nd Youngest Goalscorer In UEFA Champions League History
Yamal’s goal made him become the 2nd youngest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League, as he registered his first goal at the competition aged 17 years and 68 days.
Teammate Ansu Fati is the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history, having scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League at the age of 17 years and 40 days.
Adolf Hütter’s side subsequently dominated much of the action and it was evident in the important stats of the game.
Substitute George Ilenikhena came on to hand AS Monaco the winner in the 71st minute, as he showed composure to finish past Ter Stegen after striding forward unmarked due to the high line Barcelona deployed.
The home side also had a penalty call for them rescinded, after Folarin Balogun appeared to have been tripped in the box by Martinez.
Initially, referee Allard Lindhout, who took charge of the game, pointed to the spot, but following a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
AS Monaco noticeably bossed Barcelona for much of the evening, and the red card handed to Eric Garcia could be a major factor in why that was the case.
Barcelona’s defeat to AS Monaco is their first defeat of the season, and under manager Hansi Flick, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond in the coming matches.
Barcelona Fans Blame Goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen For Their Defeat To AS Monaco
Following the game, fans of the Catalan-based club also took to social media to bash goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Many supporters of the Spanish club feel he is to blame for the defeat, as he could have done better in preventing the goals they conceded.
They also claimed that he was culpable for the red card given to Eric Garcia, as he had other options to pass the ball to but he chose to deliver the ball to the Spaniard, who was put under pressure by players of AS Monaco.
Marc-André ter Stegen has played in 85 UEFA Champions League matches for Barcelona and conceded 99 goals.
Barcelona And AS Monaco’s Positions On The UEFA Champions League League Log
The defeat has plunged Barcelona to the 22nd spot on the UEFA Champions League league table, while AC Monaco, who came out victorious in the affair occupy the 14th spot on the log.
Results From Other UEFA Champions League Matches Played On Thursday, September 19, 2024
- Feyenoord 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Red Star Belgrade 1-2 SL Benfica
- Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
- Atletico Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig
- Brest 2-1 Sturm Graz
- AS Monaco 2-1 Barcelona
