Barcelona’s Champions League journey got off to a rough start as they lost 2-1 to Monaco in a game full of drama. Eric Garcia was sent off early and the Catalans were down to 10 men for nearly 80 minutes. It was a tough pill to swallow.
Monaco were quick to capitalise, Magnes Achlieuxe breaking through and slotting home after Garcia was sent off for a foul on Takumi Minamino. Barcelona teenage sensation Ramin Yamal brought a glimmer of hope with a stunning equaliser, becoming the second-youngest scorer in UCL history at just 17. But Monaco had the last laugh.
With 20 minutes left, Jorge Ilenikena scored the winner, catching Marc-Andre ter Stegen off guard with a low shot. The Barcelona goalkeeper, who had previously put Garcia in a difficult position with a dangerous pass, conceded the mistake. The deciding blow? A penalty for Monaco was disallowed after a VAR review.
Despite their passionate efforts, Barcelona’s European campaign continues and Hansi Flick’s men will need to regroup quickly for the long journey ahead.
