Monaco stun Barcelona to secure first UCL group stage win in 13 matches

Monaco entered this match without a win in their last 12 UEFA Champions League outings, having lost nine and drawn three. However, they arrived in good domestic form, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 in Ligue 1 this season. Head coach Adi Hütter set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Philipp Köhn in goal, Thilo Kehrer and Ghanaian international Mohammed Salisu at the heart of the defense, and Breel Embolo leading the attack. Nigerian youngster George Ilenikhena started on the bench.

It was Hansi Flick’s UEFA Champions League debut as Barcelona manager, and he also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Marc-André ter Stegen was in goal, with Iñigo Martínez and Pau Torres in central defense, Pedri orchestrating the midfield, and Robert Lewandowski spearheading the attack.

The first half saw both sides find the back of the net through rising stars. Monaco took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to French talent Maghnes Akliouche, who has Algerian roots. After receiving a pass from Vanderson, Akliouche skillfully dribbled through the Barcelona defense and slotted the ball past Ter Stegen. Barcelona responded in the 28th minute with Lamine Yamal, who, at 17 years and 68 days old, became the second youngest player in Champions League history to score, leveling the match.

The second half belonged to Monaco's €20 million summer signing, Nigerian sensation George Ilenikhena. Coming off the bench, Ilenikhena scored the match-winning goal in the 71st minute after receiving a long pass from Vanderson. The 18-year-old outpaced Barcelona's defense and calmly slotted the ball past Ter Stegen. Monaco nearly had a chance to seal the game when Folarin Balogun was brought down in the box by Martínez, but the penalty decision was overturned by VAR.

Barcelona struggled to create chances throughout the game, managing just four shots in total, with only one on target. In contrast, Monaco recorded 18 shots, eight of which were on target. This marked Hansi Flick’s first competitive loss as Barcelona’s manager.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s performance in the Champions League continues to raise concerns. Despite playing 85 matches in the competition, he has conceded 99 goals. His distribution was also problematic in this match, with 17 misplaced passes, one of which led to Iñigo Martínez’s red card in the first half.