Coach Hansi Flick described the early sending off in FC Barcelona’s Champions League defeat following a mistake by national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen as a key moment. “The red card changed the game completely,” said the former national coach after the 1:2 defeat at AS Monaco. “That completely changed our idea, our match plan.”
Ter Stegen had played a bad pass into the path of Monaco’s Takumi Minamino in the early stages, Eric García could only help himself with a foul on the edge of the penalty area and was shown the red card (11th minute). “We didn’t understand each other in this situation, I feel sorry for Eric,” the Spanish newspaper “AS” quoted ter Stegen as saying. The 32-year-old has been captain of the top Spanish football club since this season.
Criticism in the media
“We have to accept that it happens,” said Flick. “But I believe we are strong enough to play a good Champions League. We have a lot of games, we will win a lot of games and in the end we will achieve our goals.”
The Spanish media commented critically on the game. “Barça commits suicide in Monaco,” wrote “Marca” in drastic terms. “Playing with a man down for 80 minutes in the Champions League is fatal, and this time was no exception.” The “Sport” portal wrote of “Barça’s cardinal sin in Monaco.” Former basketball superstar Michael Jordan watched the game from the stands.
Super talent brings Barça back into the game
Barcelona conceded goals from Maghnes Akliouche (16th) and George Ilenikhena (71st) while they were outnumbered, while super talent Lamine Yamal (28th) managed to equalise. “We have to analyse it, but I also told the team: keep your chin up,” said Flick. “We see the positive things. Of course we will analyse it and talk to the players about the things we didn’t do well.”
Former Bundesliga coach Adi Hütter, who has been employed in Monaco since 2023, was delighted with the surprising victory. “I am very happy,” said the Austrian. “The sending off was certainly an advantage for us, it helped us a lot to have one more player on the pitch.” His team deserved the win. The goal conceded came “out of nowhere,” said Hütter. “Lamine Yamal showed that he is a great player.”
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