Skip to main content Skip to footer 
Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena made a dream Champions League debut, scoring the decisive goal as Monaco secured a 2-1 victory over a 10-man Barcelona side. The 18-year-old substitute latched onto Vanderson’s long pass in the 71st minute and fired past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona’s troubles began early when Eric Garcia was shown a straight red card just 10 minutes into the match for fouling Takumi Minamino after a poor pass from Ter Stegen. Monaco capitalized quickly, taking the lead through Maghnes Akliouche, who slotted home with Ter Stegen unable to react.
Despite being down a man, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal equalized with his first Champions League goal, driving a low shot into the corner after cutting inside.
However, Ilenikhena’s historic goal sealed the win for Monaco, marking his first goal for the club since joining from Royal Antwerp. Monaco pressed for more, with Vanderson and Minamino both coming close, while Folarin Balogun had a late penalty overturned after a VAR review.
Ilenikhena set a new record as Monaco’s youngest Champions League goalscorer at 18 years and 34 days, surpassing Kylian Mbappe’s previous record. Meanwhile, Yamal became the second youngest scorer in the competition’s history at 17 years and 68 days, following in the footsteps of Ansu Fati.
Monaco’s victory was a significant upset, leaving Barcelona to reflect on a difficult opening match in the competition.
