Folarin Balogun Comes Off Bench as Monaco Defeat 10-Man Barcelona

Folarin Balogun Comes Off Bench as Monaco Defeat 10-Man Barcelona in Champions League Opener

U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun came off the bench to play a role in AS Monaco’s 2-1 upset victory over Barcelona in their Champions League opener. The match, played at the Stade Louis II, saw Monaco capitalize on an early red card to Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, who was sent off just 10 minutes into the game.

Monaco took advantage of their numerical superiority 16 minutes later when rising star Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, Barcelona responded quickly, with 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal leveling the match with a stunning goal just 12 minutes later.

Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona put up a fight, but Monaco would not be denied. Balogun, who entered as a second-half substitute, helped shift the momentum in favor of the home side. In the 71st minute, George Ilenikhena scored what would prove to be the winning goal for Monaco.

Balogun nearly sealed the victory by drawing a penalty, but after a VAR check, the decision was reversed. Despite this, Monaco held firm and secured a crucial 2-1 win over the Spanish giants.

Balogun has struggled for regular playing time this season, with Breel Embolo often preferred as Monaco’s starting striker. Before Thursday’s Champions League match, Balogun had only played 160 minutes in Ligue 1 and featured in a 90-minute runout in the Trofeo Joan Gamper exhibition.