Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s Nightmare as Barcelona Fall to Monaco Despite Lamine Yamal’s Brilliance

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign got off to a disastrous start with a 2-1 defeat to Monaco, largely due to a calamitous performance from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and an early red card for Eric Garcia.

Hoping to end nearly a decade without a Champions League title, Barcelona’s quest for the 2024/25 season began on shaky ground. In just the 10th minute, ter Stegen’s poor ball out from the back forced Garcia into a last-man challenge, earning the defender a straight red card and leaving Barcelona with 10 men for most of the match. Monaco quickly capitalized, with Maghnes Akliouche opening the scoring soon after.

Despite the man disadvantage, Barcelona found a way back into the game thanks to the brilliance of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to equalize. The youngster’s moment of magic was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult night for Barca.

Monaco continued to dominate in the second half, with Barcelona struggling to create meaningful chances. George Ilenikhena put the French side back in front on the counter-attack with 20 minutes remaining, as his shot slipped past ter Stegen at the near post.

Ter Stegen’s struggles were evident throughout the night. His initial poor pass led to Garcia’s red card, and he was at fault for both of Monaco’s goals—first failing to cover his near post on Akliouche’s strike, and then allowing Ilenikhena’s winner to go straight through him after diving too early.

As Barcelona looks to recover from this setback, ter Stegen’s performance will surely come under scrutiny as the club aims to correct its course in the Champions League.