Early red card hampers Barcelona in Champions League loss to Monaco
Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, third left, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Monaco and Barcelona at the Louis II stadium, in Monaco, Monaco, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Laurent Cipriani]
MONACO (AP) — Barcelona’s perfect start to the season has ended with a 2-1 loss at Monaco in the revamped Champions League. It happened after defender Eric Garcia was sent off after 11 minutes. Garcia pulled back Takumi Minamino when the Japan forward intercepted a panicky pass out from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Barca won its first five Spanish league games under new coach Hansi Flick but Monaco led in the 16th through midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal equalized for Barca in the 28th. UEFA says Yamal became the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days. Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena restored Monaco’s lead in the 71st.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
American former professional basketball player Michael Jordan, center, gestures as he poses for a selfie while attend the start of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Monaco and Barcelona at the Louis II stadium, in Monaco, Monaco, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Laurent Cipriani