Barcelona suffered its first competitive defeat under Hansi Flick in its Champions League opening match.
Barcelona got off to a flying start in its 2024–25 La Liga campaign. The Catalans found five wins in five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding only four. The pressure was on Flick to translate Barcelona's early success to the Champions League, a competition the club struggled to find success in over the last few years. Barcelona's first European test came against Monaco away from home.
The Spanish side dominated possession from kickoff, using quick passes to dissect and probe Monaco's disciplined backline. Barcelona was caught out, though, when Marc-André ter Stegen played a poor pass out the back to Eric García. Takumi Minamino pickpocketed the midfielder at the edge of the box, prompting García to make a last-ditch, clumsy tackle that resulted in a straight red card.
Down to 10 men, the visitors conceded just six minutes later. Barcelona practically watched Maghnes Akliouche dribble into the box, switch to his left foot and blast a shot past a stationary ter Stegen. It was none other than Lamine Yamal, though, who pulled Barcelona back into the game with an equalizer in the 28th minute.
The second half unfolded without much drama from either side until the 72nd minute. Barcelona was caught out on a ball over the top, playing George Ilenikhena through on goal while Iñigo Martínez trailed behind. The substitute put his side up 2–1 and ultimately sealed the game for the hosts.
Monaco thought it would get a chance from the spot to double its lead, but a VAR review determined Martínez did not foul Folarin Balogun in the box.
Barcelona could not find a last-minute equalizer and headed back to Spain with zero points.
