Monaco Beats Barcelona 2-1: Yamal Scores, But It's Not Enough for the Catalans
Monaco stunned Barcelona with a 2-1 victory at the Stade Louis II in a thrilling pre-season friendly on Wednesday. The result will serve as a wake-up call for Xavi Hernandez's side, who looked shaky defensively and lacked the cutting edge in attack that has become their trademark.
The Monegasques were the brighter side from the outset, pressing high and forcing Barcelona into early errors. The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute when Takumi Minamino, a summer signing from Liverpool, finished off a neat counter-attack.
Barcelona, despite their star-studded line-up, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity in the first half came when Robert Lewandowski headed narrowly wide from a free-kick.
However, the Catalans drew level just after the break. Ansu Fati expertly controlled a cross from Gavi before playing in the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who coolly slotted the ball past the Monaco goalkeeper. Yamal's goal, his first for Barcelona, made him the club's youngest ever goalscorer in a friendly.
But the lead was short-lived. Monaco, spurred on by the equalizer, regained their attacking momentum. Aleksandr Golovin took advantage of a defensive lapse to restore the home team's lead in the 66th minute.
Barcelona tried in vain to equalize in the closing stages, but Monaco held firm to secure a deserved victory.
Key Takeaways:
- Monaco's pressing game was extremely effective, disrupting Barcelona's build-up play.
- Barcelona's defense looked vulnerable, particularly against quick transitions.
- Yamal's goal was a positive sign for the future, showcasing his immense potential.
- Xavi will be looking for a more convincing performance in their next pre-season outing.
This result will undoubtedly raise eyebrows among Barcelona fans, who are expecting a strong title challenge this season. While the game was just a pre-season friendly, the performance highlighted areas that Xavi must address if Barcelona are to live up to their potential.
