UEFA Champions League: AS Monaco Beat 10-Man Barcelona
French side AS Monaco secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League group stage after the Spanish giants were reduced to 10 men early in the match.
Barcelona’s central defender, Eric Garcia, deployed in midfield by coach Hansi Flick, was shown a red card just 10 minutes into the game, leaving his team with an uphill battle.
Monaco wasted little time capitalizing on their numerical advantage, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Maghnes Akliouche.
The winger cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a precise low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Marc-André ter Stegen with no chance.
Despite being a man down, Barcelona refused to fold and continued to search for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant goal, carrying his impressive La Liga form into Europe’s top competition.
However, that would be Barcelona’s final meaningful opportunity as Monaco grew in confidence and took control of the game. Ter Stegen was called upon several times to keep the Catalans in the match, producing a string of saves to deny the hosts.
Monaco’s breakthrough finally came in the 71st minute when 18-year-old French-Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena scored the decisive goal, sealing the victory for the Ligue 1 side. His composed finish ended Barcelona’s hopes of a comeback, handing the Catalan club their first defeat of the season.
Barcelona, who had won all five of their La Liga matches and currently sit atop the table, will now need to regroup as they continue their Champions League campaign. For Monaco, the win is a significant boost to their hopes of advancing from the new look group stage as one of the top eight team.