Champions League: Barcelona loses to Monaco as David Raya saves Arsenal in Atalanta stalemate
The Hindu
Monaco stuns Barcelona, Raya saves Arsenal in Champions League; Atletico and Leverkusen secure victories in thrilling matches.
French club Monaco upset 10-man Barcelona by grinding out a 2-1 victory on Thursday (September 19, 2024) in the Champions League, while a stunning David Raya double-save ensured Arsenal a goalless draw away to Europa League winners Atalanta.
Barca have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but, hindered by a red card in the 11th minute for Eric Garcia, fell to defeat on the French Riviera.
Maghnes Akliouche fired the French side into the lead five minutes after Garcia was dismissed for a last-man challenge on Takumi Minamino.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal equalised in the 28th minute with an arrowed shot after cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot, but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco inside the final 20 minutes.
"After 10 minutes with the red card the game changed totally, but what I can see is really the positive thing," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told reporters.
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"We tried to defend as a team and also attack as a team, and we had chances, but today they deserve the 2-1 (win), so we have to accept that."