Barcelona caused a big disappointment when they lost 1-2 to AS Monaco in the opening match of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League group stage in the early morning of September 20.

Barcelona are maintaining their perfect record in La Liga, but they are still cautious in the Champions League. The new format of Europe’s top tournament means teams are not allowed to slip up even once.

In the opening match of the group stage at Monaco, Barcelona played without confidence in the early minutes. Disaster struck for Hansi Flick’s team in the 10th minute when Eric Garcia received a red card after a rough tackle on Minamino outside the penalty area.

Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring the equalizer 1-1 for Barcelona (Photo: Reuters).

AS Monaco attacked and they scored early in the 16th minute. Maghnes Akliouche dribbled straight into Barcelona’s penalty area and then made a tricky low shot that defeated Ter Stegen, opening the score 1-0 for the French representative.

Barcelona played persistently and had sharp counterattacks. In the 28th minute, Lamine Yamal skillfully dribbled the ball and then fired a decisive shot from outside the penalty area, giving goalkeeper Kohn no chance, equalizing 1-1 for Barcelona.

AS Monaco put a lot of pressure on Barcelona while they focused on defense. Wilfried Singo put the ball in Barcelona’s net in the 35th minute, but the referee determined that the AS Monaco player was offside.

The two teams drew 1-1 in the first 45 minutes and in the second half, due to playing with one less player, Barcelona had many difficulties in launching attacks, controlling the midfield and their physical strength decreased, causing the defense to make mistakes.

In the 71st minute, starting from a pass from the back line, striker George Ilenikhena of AS Monaco rushed down and unleashed a powerful shot, helping the home team take a 2-1 lead.

Playing with one more player helped AS Monaco win 2-1 (Photo: Reuters).

Hansi Flick’s team fought back strongly in search of a draw, but they failed to create any significant chances. Barcelona could have lost the match further if Ter Stegen had not played well and the referee had not overturned Monaco’s penalty after consulting VAR technology.

In the end, AS Monaco won 2-1 against Barcelona at home. A month ago, Barca lost 0-3 to the Principality team in the Joan Gamper Cup match.

AS Monaco are unbeaten this season and have avoided a disappointing home defeat in the UEFA Champions League. Before beating Barcelona, ​​AS Monaco had lost seven consecutive matches at Louis II in Europe’s most prestigious tournament.

Line-up

AS Monaco : Kohn, Vanderson (Mawissa 88′), Kehrer, Salisu, Singo, Camara (Golovin 46′), Zakaria, Akliouche, Minamino (Caio Henrique 69′), Ben Seghir (Balogun 69′), Embolo (Ilenikhena 59′ ).

Goals: Akliouche (16′), Ilenikhena (71′).

Barcelona : Ter Stegen, Kounde, Pau Cubarsi (Sergi Dominguez 80′), Inigo Martinez, Balde (Ansu Fati 88′), Eric Garcia, Casado, Pedri (Pablo Torre 83′), Lamine Yamal (Ferran Torres 80′), Raphinha , Lewandowski (Gerard Martin 80′).

Goal: Yamal (28′).