AS Monaco 2-1 FC Barcelona: Beaten with ten men

FC Barcelona have opened their Champions League campaign with a disappointing defeat at the hands of the same team that was victorious just a few weeks ago at the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Following the loss of Eric García to a red card after just ten minutes, this game was always going to be an uphill struggle. Barça battled handsomely against the adversity. With Michael Jordan watching from the stands, Lamine Yamal produced another history-making goal, Ansu Fati was back gracing the blaugrana jersey for the first time in 389 days, and both Sergi Domínguez and Gerard Martín got to make their UCL debuts, but ultimately it was Monaco who took the three points from this one.

Eric sees red

The game-changing incident occurred after Ter Stegen had erred by sending a pass straight into path of Takumi Minamino. In the confusion on the edge of the area, Eric García brought the Japan international to the floor and out came a direct red card.

The team was in disarray for some time after that, and ended up going a goal down when Maghnes Akliouche was allowed to dribble his way through the defence with far too much ease and smartly placed the ball precisely where Ter Stegen’s hands couldn’t reach.

Historic equaliser

Things weren’t going to plan at all, but Lamine Yamal came to the rescue with a flash of solo brilliance, levelling the scores with his first ever Champions League goal, and one that makes him the second youngest goalscorer of all time in the competition.

He is just 28 days older than the outright leader, none other than Ansu Fati, who would be making his long-awaited comeback in this same game. On a day of records, Lamine also set a new all-time high for Champions League appearances before his 18th birthday.

Unfortunately, the goal, confidently struck with Lamine’s left foot, didn’t do too much to change the dynamic. The Monegasques made the most of the extra man and the shot count was tipped heavily in their favour.

Frustration

The Catalans managed to weather that storm, and as the game wore on were working their way more and more back into the proceedings. Frustratingly, precisely when Barça were threatening the strongest, the home side struck again.

A long ball from the back sent George Ilenikhena into space and Monaco were back ahead.

And matters could have been even worse had VAR not been able to correct the referee’s decision to award a penalty against Iñigo Martínez.

Barça will be hoping for better fortunes in the second of the eight League Phase fixtures at home to Young Boys of Switzerland on October 1. But before that, there are three Liga fixtures to get through, starting this Sunday at home to Villarreal. That one starts at 6.30pm CEST.