To welcome the attacking armada of FC Barcelona and the return of the Riviera club to the Champions League, the Stade Louis-II was packed like never before on Thursday for the rest of the first matchday of C1. And the 20,000 or so spectators did well to travel to enjoy a prestigious victory for AS Monaco (2-1), against the Catalans, who had been unbeaten since the start of the season.
Diligent and stormy, the Monegasques took advantage of the early exclusion of Eric Garcia (10my), to dominate the debates. While they reached the break tied, after the feat of Maghnes Akliouche (16my), and the response of Lamine Yamal (28my), release finally came from a starter.
Recruited this summer from Royal Antwerp, young French striker George Ilenikhena (18 years old) sealed his team’s victory (72my), and let their enthusiasm speak for themselves. ASM are now on their way to the Champions League, with Dinamo Zagreb in their sights on October 2nd. The same team that suffered a monumental setback against Bayern Munich (9-2), in their debut.
to remember
- The big names. Adi Hütter and his nuggets.
The Austrian coach put together a starting eleven that gave a leading role to youth. And his decisions paid off. First through Maghnes Akliouche (22 years old), then George Ilenikhena (18 years old). But other youngsters have played a major role in the success of the Rocher: Eliesse Ben Seghir (19 years old), Lamine Camara (20 years old) and Wilfried Singo (23 years old), to name a few.
1-0, 16my : Vanderson turns the ball around to Maghnes Akliouche, who clears the Catalan defence as he approaches the area, and eventually converts his chance with a shot from close range. Marc-André ter Stegen remains unmoved.
1-1, 28my : Lamine Yamal makes a deep run, attacks the Monegasque defence with a hook shot and finds the foul with a low shot on the entry to the surface.
2-1, 71: Raphinha misplaces his pass and gives possession back to the Monegasques. In the process, Vanderson serves deep to George Ilenikhena, who rushes into the Catalan area, where he unleashes a powerful shot that surprises Marc-André ter Stegen.
- The turning point of the game. The exclusion of Eric Garcia.
The Barcelona defender, exceptionally positioned in the centre of the field, tried to cover a poor recovery by his goalkeeper, grabbing Takumi Minamino, who was heading alone at goal. He is excluded at 10my minute of play, thus giving the Monegasques an early and very beneficial numerical superiority.
The impetuosity of both teams contributed favourably to the spectacle and suspense that lasted until the final whistle. On our football rating scale, which goes from A to E, this European duel logically receives a “B” rating.
