UCL: Yamal’s strike insufficient as 10-man Barcelona suffer defeat against Monaco in opener

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign got off on a sour note as they fell 2-1 to Monaco at Stade Louis-II.

Forced into a tactical reshuffle, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick brought Eric Garcia in for injured Dani Olmo.

However, Garcia’s time was short-lived, as he was sent off just 11 minutes into the match.

His red card, following a mistake by goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, left Barcelona in a tough situation.

Lamine Yamal – B/R Football

Monaco capitalized on the advantage quickly. Maghnes Akliouche dazzled with a solo effort to give Monaco a 1-0 lead.

Despite being down to ten men, Barcelona responded with a goal from Lamine Yamal, who made history as the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history.

Barcelona tried to hold off threats in the second half, but poor defensive lapses proved costly, forcing Hansi Flick to witness his first defeat as Barcelona boss.

George Ilenikhena found a gap in Barcelona’s weakened defense and restored Monaco’s lead with a well-placed shot past ter Stegen.