Barcelona’s perfect start to the season came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Monaco in the updated Champions League on Thursday. The defeat followed an early red card for defender Eric Garcia, who was sent off after just 11 minutes.
Garcia pulled back Takumi Minamino after the Japan forward intercepted a shaky pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Despite winning their first five league matches under new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona fell behind in the 16th minute when midfielder Maghnes Akliouche scored for Monaco.
Akliouche, who played for France in the Paris Olympics, found the net from the right side of the penalty area while national team coach Didier Deschamps watched from the stands. Another famous face in the crowd was basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal equalized in the 28th minute with a great left-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
This was his fourth goal of the season and the first of his Champions League career. According to UEFA, Yamal became the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days, just 28 days older than his teammate Ansu Fati, who scored at 17 years and 40 days in December 2019.
In July, Yamal also became the youngest player to score at a Euro when he netted in Spain’s semifinal win over France.
George Ilenikhena restored Monaco’s lead in the 71st minute with a composed finish. The 18-year-old forward received a pass and skillfully beat Ter Stegen, celebrating with Prince Albert of Monaco among the fans.
It was Ilenikhena’s first goal for Monaco and his second in the Champions League, having previously scored against Barcelona last season while playing for Antwerp.
“I’m happy, we played really well together and we deserved the victory,” Ilenikhena said. “If we play like this we can go far.”
