Garcia Red Card: Barcelona vs Monaco Player Ratings
The Champions League clash between Barcelona and Monaco saw drama unfold as a controversial red card issued to Monaco's Axel Disasi in the second half turned the tide of the match. Barcelona went on to win 2-1, but the game was far from straightforward. Here are our player ratings for both sides:
Barcelona
- Ter Stegen (7.5): Made some key saves, including a crucial stop from a Ben Yedder header in the first half. Showed his usual composure and command of the penalty area.
- Koundé (8.0): Solid defensively, particularly in dealing with Monaco's fast and direct attacks. Also provided a threat going forward, making several overlapping runs.
- Araujo (7.5): Strong and composed in the heart of the Barcelona defense. Made a vital block in the second half to deny a clear-cut chance for Monaco.
- Balde (7.0): A constant menace down the left flank, providing dangerous crosses and making incisive runs into the box. His pace caused Monaco's defense all sorts of problems.
- Pedri (8.5): Another impressive display from the young Spaniard. His control, vision, and passing range were instrumental in Barcelona's build-up play.
- Gavi (7.0): Energy and dynamism in midfield. He pressed aggressively and was involved in several dangerous attacks.
- De Jong (7.5): A composed presence in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and providing a secure base for Barcelona's attacking forays.
- Raphinha (8.0): A livewire on the right flank. His dribbling and tricky footwork troubled Monaco's defense. Scored a brilliant free-kick in the second half.
- Dembélé (7.0): Created a number of chances with his quick feet and intelligent movement. His pace was a constant threat to Monaco's defense.
- Lewandowski (7.5): Struggled to get into the game in the first half but came alive in the second. His intelligent movement created space for teammates and he set up the opening goal for Dembélé.
- Fati (6.5): Came on for Dembélé in the second half and added an extra dimension to Barcelona's attack with his speed and directness.
Monaco
- Nübel (6.0): Made a couple of decent saves but couldn't prevent Barcelona from scoring twice.
- Disasi (4.5): Sent off in the second half for a reckless challenge on Lewandowski. This proved to be a turning point in the match.
- Maripán (6.0): Did his best to contain the Barcelona attack, but he was stretched at times.
- Magassa (5.5): Struggled to cope with the pace of Barcelona's wingers.
- Golovin (6.0): Tried to dictate the game for Monaco but was frustrated by Barcelona's defensive solidity.
- Fofana (6.5): A strong and physical presence in midfield. Made some crucial tackles but couldn't prevent Barcelona from taking control of the game.
- Minamino (6.0): Tried to inject creativity into Monaco's attack, but his impact was limited.
- Ben Yedder (7.0): A constant threat to Barcelona's defense, but he was let down by the lack of service from his teammates.
- Embolo (5.5): Worked hard but didn't have a major impact on the game.
- Diop (6.0): Came on in the second half and tried to add some attacking impetus, but it was too late for Monaco.
Key Takeaways
- The Red Card: The red card to Disasi undoubtedly changed the game's trajectory, giving Barcelona a man advantage and shifting the momentum.
- Barcelona's Dominance: Despite the tight scoreline, Barcelona dominated the game, creating numerous chances and dictating the tempo.
- Monaco's Struggles: Monaco looked shaky at times, especially defensively. They failed to capitalize on their early opportunities, ultimately succumbing to Barcelona's pressure.
This game was a microcosm of the Champions League's unpredictability. Even with a key player sent off, Monaco still put up a fight against a strong Barcelona side. However, the Catalan giants proved too strong in the end, securing a crucial victory in their bid to reach the knockout stages.
