Champions League: Barcelona Stumble Opener as Monaco Secure 2-1 Win

Barcelona endured a tough start to their Champions League campaign, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Monaco after Eric García's early red card left them with 10 men. García was sent off just 11 minutes in for a foul on Takumi Minamino, who was through on goal after a misplaced pass from Marc-André ter Stegen.

Monaco capitalised quickly, taking the lead five minutes later through Maghnes Akliouche, who struck a low shot into the net. However, Lamine Yamal responded for Barcelona, scoring from the edge of the box in the 28th minute to level the game.

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Despite playing with a man down, Barcelona fought hard, but Monaco's persistence paid off in the 71st minute when 18-year-old substitute George Ilenikhena found the back of the net to secure a historic victory for the hosts. This was Monaco's first appearance in the Champions League group stage in five years.

“We didn’t understand each other in that moment, I feel bad for Eric,” said Ter Stegen after the game. “We played 80 minutes with one less. It’s a football thing. The defeat hurts, because with 10 men on the pitch we gave our all and tried to get a point.”

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