UCL Recap: Ilenikhena Shines as Monaco Defeats Barça
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AS Monaco enjoyed a magical European night on Thursday, winning a thrilling 2-1 match against FC Barcelona in their opening UEFA Champions League league phase match at the Stade Louis-II.
Barcelona quickly faced adversity in this contest, as Hansi Flick and his team were reduced to 10 men following a last man foul by Eric García in the 10th minute. Monaco quickly took advantage of playing with one more man as the home side recorded ten shots in the first half and took the lead.
In the 16th minute, Vanderson would connect with Maghnes Akliouche for the opening goal in the match. Adi Hütter and his team had the momentum, but it didn't take long for Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, to appear.
Yamal leveled the scoring in the 28th minute with a shot from outside the box, giving the away side hope that they could leave with a positive result despite playing with 10 men.
The contest went into halftime leveled 1-1, and in the second half, Monaco recorded eight shots. Eventually, they'd find the game-winning goal. Yamal wasn't the only teenager to score in this contest as 18-year-old George Ilenikhena scored in the 71st minute to give the home team the 2-1 lead.
Along with the goal, Ilenikhena made Monaco history as the club's youngest Champions League goalscorer. Les Rouge et Blanc held onto their lead for the impressive victory to start their Champions League campaign.
Following the win, Ilenikhena spoke to Canal+ and noted the joy of his performance, but more importantly, the win for Monaco.
"I'm really happy and proud of the team. That was a huge performance, and we definitely deserved the win! We have the potential to go far because we're all working together. Everything’s perfect—I’ve got no complaints. I always give my all to score against every team."
Monaco will look to build off this impressive performance when they return to Ligue 1 action and face Le Havre on Sunday at the Stade Louis-II. As for their next Champions League opponent, Hütter and his team will face GNK Dinamo Zagreb on October 2 at Stadion Maksimir.
Photo credit: IMAGO / MAXPPP
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