Monaco secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, with Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena coming off the bench to score the decisive goal. Despite Hansi Flick’s side maintaining a perfect start to the La Liga season, Barcelona struggled against the Ligue 1 team.
Monaco took control of the match after Barcelona’s Eric Garcia was sent off for pulling down Takumi Minamino. Maghnes Akliouche capitalized on this advantage, netting the first goal for Monaco. Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal briefly equalized, but Ilenikhena’s 71st-minute strike sealed the win for Monaco.
Barcelona, five-time European champions, have faced difficulties in recent years, particularly in away fixtures. Monaco’s dominance over the Catalan club continued after defeating them in a pre-season friendly. Garcia’s early dismissal, caused by a miscommunication with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, further handicapped Barcelona’s chances.
Ter Stegen expressed regret, stating, “We didn’t understand each other well in that situation… this defeat hurts because with 10 men, we still showed up and tried to take at least a point.”
Akliouche’s opening goal came at the 17-minute mark, as he navigated into the box and calmly finished with little pressure from the Barcelona defense.