Barcelona vs Monaco Player Ratings: Garcia Red Card Dents Blaugrana's Win
Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Monaco in a thrilling pre-season friendly at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. However, the game was marred by a controversial red card shown to Barcelona's young defender, Jules Koundé, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the Catalan giants.
Barcelona Player Ratings:
Marc-André ter Stegen (7.5/10): The German goalkeeper was mostly a spectator in the first half but made a crucial save in the second half to deny a Monaco goal. Ter Stegen's calm presence was vital in a game that was increasingly tense after the red card.
Sergi Roberto (6.5/10): Roberto started the match as the right-back but moved into midfield after Koundé's dismissal. He was a reliable presence defensively and showed good passing range.
Jules Koundé (5/10): Koundé's performance was overshadowed by the red card he received for a reckless challenge. While he was solid defensively prior to the incident, the lack of discipline cost his team dearly.
Ronald Araújo (7/10): The Uruguayan defender was a rock at the heart of the Barcelona defense. Araújo was dominant in the air and won most of his duels, solidifying his position as a vital component of the backline.
Alejandro Balde (7/10): The young left-back was lively going forward and provided a constant threat down the flank. Balde showed maturity beyond his years and is clearly a player with great potential.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10): De Jong controlled the midfield with his usual composure and passing range. He was crucial in maintaining possession and orchestrating Barcelona's attacks.
Gavi (8/10): The young Spaniard continues to impress with his energy and technical ability. Gavi was a constant nuisance to the Monaco defense and deservedly bagged an assist for the opening goal.
Pedri (7/10): Pedri made a late cameo appearance and was a calming influence on the field. He helped Barcelona maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.
Raphinha (7/10): The Brazilian winger was a constant threat down the right wing. He created several chances and scored a brilliant goal to put Barcelona 2-0 up.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10): The Polish striker was a constant thorn in Monaco's side. Lewandowski was a menace in the box and opened the scoring with a well-taken goal.
Ansu Fati (6.5/10): The young forward showed some flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency to make a significant impact. He was substituted before the end of the game.
Monaco Player Ratings:
Alexander Nübel (6.5/10): The German goalkeeper made a couple of good saves, especially in the first half. While he couldn't do much about Barcelona's goals, Nübel showed his ability to command his penalty area.
Vanderson (6/10): The Brazilian full-back struggled to contain Balde's attacking threat. He was booked in the first half and lacked the composure to match his opponent's attacking prowess.
Axel Disasi (6/10): Disasi had a decent game, especially in the first half, where he was a dominant presence in the air. However, he looked less comfortable after Koundé's red card.
Guillermo Maripán (6/10): The Chilean defender had a solid game. He was disciplined defensively and used his physical presence to win duels against the Barcelona forwards.
Caio Henrique (6.5/10): Henrique was a constant threat down the left flank for Monaco. He was involved in the build-up to their goal and was a threat with his direct running.
Youssouf Fofana (7/10): Fofana was a powerful presence in the Monaco midfield. He worked hard to win the ball back and launched numerous attacks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (6.5/10): Tchouaméni had a good game, despite being overshadowed by Fofana. He showed his composure and passing ability, but his impact was less noticeable than his midfield partner.
Takumi Minamino (7/10): The Japanese forward scored a beautiful goal to pull Monaco back into the game. He was a constant threat with his pace and dribbling skills.
Krepin Diatta (6.5/10): Diatta was lively and created several chances. He provided a constant threat with his pace and direct running.
Breel Embolo (6/10): The Swiss striker struggled to make an impact in the final third. He was isolated from his teammates and lacked the service to truly test the Barcelona defense.
Wissam Ben Yedder (6.5/10): Ben Yedder started the game on the bench and came on in the second half. He made a difference with his composure and hold-up play, but he was unable to find the back of the net.
Conclusion:
Barcelona's win was a satisfying outcome for the Catalan giants. They were dominant in the first half and deservedly took the lead. However, Koundé's red card made the second half a nervy affair. Monaco fought back valiantly and nearly snatched a draw.
The friendly served as a valuable test for both teams. While Barcelona's performance showed their attacking prowess, the red card incident raises concerns about their defensive discipline. Monaco showed flashes of brilliance but were ultimately undone by their inability to capitalize on Barcelona's numerical disadvantage.
