FC Barcelona suffered their first competitive defeat under coach Hansi Flick after a mistake by Germany’s new number one. At the start of the Champions League, the Catalans deservedly lost 1:2 (1:1) to AS Monaco, also because national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made a mistake and the guests had to play almost 80 minutes with one man less.
A pass from the Barça goalkeeper that was far too risky landed at Monaco’s Takumi Minamino. Defender Eric Garcia could only stop the Japanese with a foul and was shown the red card in the eleventh minute. Just five minutes later, Maghnes Akliouche scored to make it 1-0 for Monaco (16th).
Barcelona, which will host FC Bayern Munich (October 23) and Borussia Dortmund (December 11) later in the Champions League, only started attacking after more than 25 minutes. European champion Lamine Yamal left Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn with no chance of defending with a shot (28′) and equalized.
After the break, 18-year-old George Ilenikhena decided the match: The Frenchman scored in front of basketball icon Michael Jordan and caused great cheers among the team of former Bundesliga coach Adi Hütter.
After a convincing start in Spain with five wins in five matches, it was Flick’s first defeat against the five-time Champions League winners. Former Bundesliga professional Dani Olmo was absent due to injury.
Arsenal goalkeeper Raya makes a sensational save
Arsenal FC, with national player Kai Havertz, could only manage a lucky 0:0 draw with Europa League winners Atalanta Bergamo. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved his team’s point after 51 minutes with two outstanding saves. The Spaniard first saved a penalty from Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui. Raya was also able to clear the Italian’s subsequent header.
Benfica wins with Schmidt’s successor
In their first Champions League appearance after the departure of coach Roger Schmidt, Benfica Lisbon won 2-1 (2-0) against Red Star Belgrade. Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Orkun Kökçü scored for the team of new coach Bruno Lage. France’s Champions League debutant Stade Brest won 2-1 (1-0) against Sturm Graz from Austria.
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