Monaco 2-1 Barcelona: Late Winner Secures Upset
In a stunning upset, AS Monaco defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Stade Louis II in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. The victory was secured with a late winner from Wissam Ben Yedder, who scored in the 81st minute to silence the visiting fans and give Monaco a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
Monaco Dominate Early On
Monaco started the match with intensity, pressing high and winning possession early on. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 27th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni fired home a deflected shot from outside the box to give Monaco a 1-0 lead.
Barcelona Responds
Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, but they managed to equalize in the 45th minute through Pedri. The young Spaniard finished expertly after a clever pass from Gavi, who was making his Champions League debut.
Ben Yedder Strikes Late
Despite Barcelona's equalizer, Monaco continued to press forward. The pressure eventually paid off in the 81st minute when Wissam Ben Yedder received a pass from Breel Embolo and volleyed the ball into the back of the net. The goal was a deserved reward for Monaco's dominance throughout the match.
Key Takeaways
- Monaco's impressive performance: Monaco's high pressing and efficient counter-attacks completely overwhelmed Barcelona in the first leg. They deservedly won the match.
- Ben Yedder's impact: Wissam Ben Yedder's winning goal proved crucial for Monaco. His performance will be key in the second leg.
- Barcelona's struggles: Barcelona struggled to cope with Monaco's intensity and lacked the spark to truly threaten the hosts. The second leg at Camp Nou will be a difficult uphill battle.
This first leg victory has set up a fascinating second leg at the Camp Nou. Barcelona will need to significantly improve their performance if they are to overturn the deficit and progress to the next round. Monaco, meanwhile, will be full of confidence and will be looking to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
