George Ilenikhena Shines As Monaco Upset 10-Man Barcelona In Champions League Opener.
Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena made a stunning impact on his Champions League debut, scoring the decisive goal as Monaco secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Barcelona. The 18-year-old substitute sealed the upset in the 71st minute, latching onto a long ball from Vanderson and firing a powerful shot past Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen.
Barcelona were reduced to 10 men just 10 minutes into the match when Eric Garcia received a straight red card for fouling Takumi Minamino, following a poor pass out from the back by Ter Stegen. Monaco capitalised on their numerical advantage soon after, with Maghnes Akliouche slotting home to give the hosts the lead, leaving Ter Stegen rooted to the spot.
However, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, brought the visitors level with his first-ever Champions League goal. The 16-year-old picked up a long ball, cut inside, and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
Despite Yamal’s equaliser, it was Ilenikhena who stole the headlines with his 71st-minute strike. The goal was his first since joining Monaco from Royal Antwerp in the summer, and it marked him as Monaco’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League at just 18 years and 34 days, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s record set in 2017.
Monaco could have extended their lead, with Vanderson’s effort pushed past the post and Minamino’s strike deflected onto the crossbar. Folarin Balogun had a penalty decision overturned by VAR late on, after it was ruled that he went down too easily under a challenge from Inigo Martinez.
Ilenikhena’s goal was historic, making him the first player in Champions League history to score against the same team for two different clubs, having netted for Antwerp against Barcelona last December. Meanwhile, Yamal continued to impress, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days, just behind Ansu Fati (17 years and 40 days).
Yamal, who earlier this month became the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or nominee, delivered another strong performance despite Barcelona’s defeat. The Spanish teenager has now made more Champions League appearances than any player aged 17 or under.
Monaco’s victory sets them up for a promising Champions League campaign, while Barcelona will look to bounce back from their opening defeat.
