The Barça team, leader of the Spanish championship with a perfect score, lost 2-1 against Monaco, thus opening its participation in the League Phase of the continental competition. The Catalans were playing with one less from the 10th minute.
One of the novelties of the renewed Champions League 2024-2025 is the activity on Thursdays, day when the Europa League and, now also, the Conference League are concentrated. Closing of the first day of the League Phase, The visit from Barcelona to the Principality of Monaco was most attractive. The debut of the Catalan cast, which still appears as a contender for the crown, It was with a setback, losing 2-1 against the locals.
It was the Catalans’ 350th appearance in the European Cup (now known as the Champions League), arriving in fine form after a crushing start to the local league. Led by German coach Hansi Flick, They lead La Liga with an ideal score after five games (15 points) and with 17 goals scored. The mission was to transfer this to the international concert, with a significant loss like that of Dani Olmo, injured.
Although the past history called for optimism for Barça, the reality is that the match suffered against Guillermo Maripán’s former team (the Chilean team went to Turin, Italy). Any game plan in Flick’s head collapsed early on, as Barcelona found themselves one down. Barely 10 minutes had passed and Eric García was sent off, avoiding a clear goal situation. One of the visiting central midfielders lets down the Japanese Minamino, who went straight to goal, after a bad pass from Ter Stegen. A significant part of García’s misfortune is linked to the bad transfer of the German goalkeeper.
Barça had to reorganize and Monaco took control of the action, so much so that In 16 minutes the account was opened. The 1-0 was converted by Maghnès Akliouche Franco-Algerian silver medalist with The Blues at the recent Olympic Games in Paris. He avoided his rivals and shot at Ter Stegen’s near post.
With one less on the field and a disadvantage, the outlook was more than complicated for the Spaniards. However, when the doors were closed, Lamine Yamal found a window. In the 28th minute, the teenage prodigy of Spanish football, key to the European Cup title, equalized the score with a shot at goalkeeper Kohn’s near post. For a Barça side that suffered in defence, reaching a draw before half-time was a matter of fact.
In the second half, Flick’s team managed to hide the lack of a player, overcoming a test that had become more complicated than expected. However, a defensive inattention was taken advantage of by Monaco to reach 2-1. In the 72nd minute, George Ilenikhena beat Ter Stegen with a powerful shot. Even though the duel was 11 against 10, the Monegasques did well to win.
A misstep for Barcelona, which begins its journey in the new Champions League. Monaco ends up being a thorn in the side of the culés at the beginning of the season, because He also beat him in the Joan Gamper Trophy, traditional friendly match that serves as Barça’s way of presenting its team.
Leverkusen wins
In the rest of the matches, Bayer Leverkusen’s victory stood out in particular. The Bundesliga champions beat Feyenoord 4-0 on their visit, have in Florian Wirtz the figure of commitment. The German team achieved a double (5′ and 36′). The other goals came from Alejandro Grimaldo (30th) and an own goal from goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther (44th).
While Arsenal travelled to Italy and drew 0-0 against Atalanta, the last Europa League champions. Goalkeeper David Raya played a key role for the Gunners, saving a penalty kick.
Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
