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In their opening UEFA Champions League game on Thursday (September 19), Barcelona lost 2-1 to AS Monaco after Eric Garcia was sent off early in the first half. This is Hansi Flick's first competitive defeat since taking over at the Catalan club this summer.
Garcia received his marching orders in the 10th minute, and his dismissal left a lingering effect on how the Catalan side handled themselves in the UEFA Champions League clash. The French side took the lead in the 16th minute via Maghnes Akliouche before Lamine Yamal restored parity in the 28th minute. The hosts settled the tie in the second half through George Ilenikhena's 71st-minute strike.
Barcelona player ratings:
Marc Andre Ter Stegen - 8/10
The German was impressive for Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League defeat. He made six saves and 19 recoveries against Monaco.
Jules Kounde - 6.5/10
The Frenchman had a forgettable game on Thursday and was on the flank where Monaco's Vanderson shone. Kounde has a passing accuracy of 83 percent (29/35). He won two out of two tackles and seven out of nine duels.
Inigo Martinez - 6.5/10
The veteran defender was powerless in Barcelona's defeat despite making five clearances and two recoveries.
Pau Cubarsi - 6.5/10
The young defender had a decent game but could not avoid defeat against the side from the Principality of Monaco. He completed 89% of his passes (39/44) and won one tackle.
Alex Balde - 5.5/10
Alex Balde was far from his best in the UEFA Champion League opener and only managed 10 out of 12 passes in his 88 minutes on the pitch.
Marc Casado - 7.5/10
Marc Casado played a fine game for Blaugrana as he bagged an assist to underline an impressive performance. He completed 44 out of 50 passes (88%) and made two out of three tackles in a performance he will be proud of.
Eric Garcia - 3/10
It can be said that the Spaniard was the architect of Barcelona's loss against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. His early sending-off threw the Catalans into a lurch and cost them the game.
Raphinha - 7/10
The Brazilian star was active but uneventful in the game. He made two defensive actions and recovered possession twice. He also completed 14 out of 25 passes (56%).
Lamine Yamal - 8/10
The Spaniard was impressive as always for Barcelona and drew the Catalan side level a dozen minutes after they fell behind in the first half. He could not prevent the loss but can hold his head high after his UEFA Champions League showing.
Pedri - 6.5/10
Pedri had a respectable albeit uneventful game in the UEFA Champions League for Barcelona against Monaco. He completed 32 out of 36 passes (89%) but did not create any chances in the game.
Robert Lewandowski - 6/10
The veteran striker had a forgettable game for Blaugrana and did not have an impact whatsoever. He had 24 touches in the game and failed to test the opposition goal in 80 minutes on the pitch. Lewandowski lost six out of nine duels on Thursday.
Barcelona Substitutes
Gerard Martin - 6/10
The 22-year-old came on late but could not prevent the loss against Monaco. He completed only two out of three passes in the UEFA Champions League clash.
Sergi Dominguez - 6/10
Dominguez also came on late for Hansi Flick's side but could not change Barcelona's fate in the game. He managed only seven touches following his introduction.
Ferran Torres - 6/10
The Euro 2024 winner did not affect the game following his late introduction to the UEFA Champions League clash. He managed two touches and did not complete a single pass in 11 minutes on the pitch.
