Catalan Giants Struggle After Early Dismissal, Suffer 2-1 Defeat at Stade Louis II
Barcelona’s 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign began on a disappointing note as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco on Thursday, hampered by the early dismissal of defender Eric Garcia. The Spanish side was forced to play nearly the entire match with ten men after Garcia received a straight red card just 11 minutes into the game.
The incident occurred when Garcia brought down Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, who was through on goal following a misplaced pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This moment proved to be a turning point in the match, as the red card left Barcelona with an uphill battle from the start. With Garcia off the field, Barcelona’s defense was stretched thin, and their attacking opportunities were significantly diminished. The team had to reorganize quickly, but the numerical disadvantage allowed Monaco to dominate possession and apply relentless pressure. Consequently, Barcelona’s efforts to build up play from the back were continuously thwarted, making it extremely difficult to mount a comeback.
“We didn’t understand each other in that moment, I feel bad for Eric,” Ter Stegen told Movistar Plus after the match. “We played 80 minutes with one less. It’s a football thing. The defeat hurts because, with ten men on the pitch, we gave our all and tried to get a point.”
Monaco capitalized on their numerical advantage just five minutes later, with Maghnes Akliouche scoring from a low shot to put the hosts ahead. Despite being down a man, Barcelona found an equalizer in the 28th minute through 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who struck from the edge of the penalty area to become the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history. Yamal’s goal placed him behind only his teammate Ansu Fati, who set the record in 2019.
Monaco, making their first group stage appearance in Europe’s top competition in five years, continued to press for a winner. Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when substitute George Ilenikhena fired past Ter Stegen, securing a memorable victory for the Ligue 1 side.
“The game changed completely with the red card,” said Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. “We tried all the time, we defended with passion. We made some mistakes, but we tried to score goals. We had a few chances, but they deserved to win.”
Flick emphasized the need for his team to regroup quickly, with a La Liga clash against Villarreal looming on Sunday. “Now we have to come back stronger, recover for Sunday’s game. We have to give our best and fight for the team,” the German coach added.
The defeat leaves Barcelona with plenty to ponder as they look to bounce back in their next Champions League fixture.
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