Goalkeeper Ter Stegen Blunder Fatal, Monaco Beat Barcelona In The Champions League

The forward George Ilenikhena celebrated a goal that decisive Monaco' 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League. (X/@ChampionsLeague)

JAKARTA - Barcelona goalkeeper Mac-Andre ter Stegen made a blunder that resulted in a defeat against Monaco in the Champions League. In a duel at Stade Louis II, Friday, September 20, 2024 in the morning WIB, Monaco managed to beat Barca 2-1.

Barca finally collapsed. However, Barca suffered their first defeat in the Champions League. Coach Hansi Flick led Barca to a perfect point in the La Liga competition Spain. Barca, who always won during the first five games, immediately grabbed at the top of the standings.

However, Barca's winning record did not continue in European competitions. When he started the fight in the Champions League, the Blaugrana lost.

The defeat was inseparable from goalkeeper Ter Stegen's blunder which led to the red card of defender Eric Garcia when the game had only been running for 10 minutes. Starting from Ter Stegen who was under pressure when he controlled the ball.

The main goalkeeper for the German national team after Manuele Neuer retired instead of throwing the ball in the leg. Instead, he made a short pass to the middle. Only the weak pace of the ball could be cut by midfielder Monaco Takumi Minamino.

The Japanese national team midfielder also managed to snatch the ball and take it to the Barca penalty box. In the aftermath, there was no election for Garcia except to take a tackle from behind. Referee Allard Lindhout immediately gave a red card to Garcia who committed a serious foul on the former Liverpool midfielder when the game had only been running for 10 minutes.

Monaco tried to take advantage of the advantages of the number of players. The French Ligue 1 club immediately put pressure on the Barca defense. Their efforts were not in vain. Only six minutes later after losing Garcia, Barca's goal conceded.

Midfielder Maghnes AkliOKe successfully broke into Ter Segen's goal. Starting from his action entering the penalty area and then he fired a shot into the net. There was no tight guard so Aklicie seemed to have no obstacles when scoring goals.

But Barca was able to rise. Despite playing with 10 people. The Spanish La Liga giant was able to match Monaco's game. Even Barca had the heart to equalize after Lamine Yamal broke into the host's goal in the 28th minute.

Yamal, who led Spain to win Euro 2024, became the second youngest player to score in the Champions League. He was 17 years old and 68 days old when he set the goal record.

Interestingly, the youngest player to have scored in European competition was none other than Yamal's own colleague, Ansu Fati, who sat on the bench in the match. Fati did it at the age of 17 and 40. He broke into Inter Milan's goal in 2019.

The score changed to 1-1. In a draw, Monaco tried to put pressure on it. Even the hosts took the lead again after Wilfried Singo scored a goal. But the goal was disallowed because he was in an offside position before breaking into Ter Stegen's goal.

Monaco's efforts finally paid off in the second half. The forward George Ilenikhena who came in to replacerel Embolo broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

This goal came from a long pass by midfielder Vanderson leading to Ilenikhena. The 18-year-old Nigerian then welcomed the ball and led it to Barca's goal. Although overshadowed by Inigo Martinez, he then fired a shot that Ter Stegen failed to save.

The score changed 2-1 for Monaco. After winning, Monaco actually continued to put pressure on it. Even the hosts had a chance to increase their advantage, but Folarin Balogun's shot was saved by Ter Stegen.

Likewise, when the Balogun was dropped by Martinez in the box. The referee originally pointed to the spot, but after reviewing the incident via VAR, the referee changed his mind and canceled the penalty decision for Monaco. The 2-1 score lasted until the game was over.