4.9
Champions League: Barcelona Stumble Opener as Monaco Secure 2-1 Win
Champions League: Kylian Mbappe Has Nightmare Performance Against Liverpool
Real Madrid's struggles in the Champions League raise concerns as they face potential early exit. Experience Premier League with Exo ...
Champions League: Robert Lewandowski Reaches 100 UCL Goals
Robert Lewandowski joins great company in the Champions League century club alongside Ronaldo and Messi. Get your Football tickets at ...
Premier League: Liverpool’s Glorious Era Beginning to End?
Experience the drama of Liverpool's potential final chapter with key figures Trent, Salah, and Van Dijk. Get Premier League tickets ...
Barcelona endured a tough start to their Champions League campaign, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Monaco after Eric García's early red card left them with 10 men. García was sent off just 11 minutes in for a foul on Takumi Minamino, who was through on goal after a misplaced pass from Marc-André ter Stegen.
Monaco capitalised quickly, taking the lead five minutes later through Maghnes Akliouche, who struck a low shot into the net. However, Lamine Yamal responded for Barcelona, scoring from the edge of the box in the 28th minute to level the game.
Despite playing with a man down, Barcelona fought hard, but Monaco's persistence paid off in the 71st minute when 18-year-old substitute George Ilenikhena found the back of the net to secure a historic victory for the hosts. This was Monaco's first appearance in the Champions League group stage in five years.
“We didn’t understand each other in that moment, I feel bad for Eric,” said Ter Stegen after the game. “We played 80 minutes with one less. It’s a football thing. The defeat hurts, because with 10 men on the pitch we gave our all and tried to get a point.”