Barcelona saw a defeat of 2-1 against AS Monaco in the Champions League opening match. It was an intense game wherein both sides prioritized pressing. Barcelona’s defeat comes at the hands of the same team that rejoiced last month with victory over the Joan Gamper Trophy.
The favorites suffered a setback when Eric Garcia was given a red card. Barcelona midfielder Pedri attributed the red card to a communication error. He said it was a mix-up between the two players, which can happen in any match. Pedri said they have to move on and make sure that it doesn’t happen again. The footballer said Barcelona played with one man less and ran thrice as much to recover.
Pedri commended the team for standing up to the challenge with only 10 players. He acknowledged that it’s not easy to play with one less player, and it’s the worst game of the season if the team doesn’t mean it.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was also of the same opinion. He described Barcelona’s loss to Monaco as the worst. Barca was on the high with five wins and thumped down with a loss against Monaco. Flick said his side had a good start and in some phases, it wasn’t so good. He highlighted that the team will now focus on La Liga. Flick said they have seven games left and will rise stronger.
Also Read: UEFA Champions League 2024-25: 36 Teams, New Format, And Fixtures
Lamine Yamal Gets His Goal For Barcelona
Despite the loss, Barcelona is celebrating its youngest player Lamine Yamal’s goal. The 17-year-old equalized with his first-ever goal in Europe near the half-hour mark. Yamal equalized for Barcelona 1-1 against Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. He sent a left-footed strike past the opponent team’s Philipp Kohn right into the back of the net.
This was the youngster’s first Champions League goal for Barcelona. Last week, Yamal emerged as the youngest player in La Liga history to record a first-half brace when Barcelona faced Girona.
