Monaco vs. Barcelona: Player Ratings, Garcia Red Card
Barcelona's Champions League campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II. The match was a tale of two halves, with Monaco dominating the first period before Barcelona took control after the break. A controversial red card to Monaco's Axel Disasi, followed by a swift equaliser from Alejandro Balde, left the match with a sense of injustice for the home side. Here’s a breakdown of the game, player ratings, and the key talking point – Axel Disasi's red card.
First Half: Monaco's Dominance
Monaco, clearly the more aggressive side, started the game with intent. Their high press and swift counter-attacks put the Barcelona defense on the back foot. Takumi Minamino was a menace, his movement causing havoc in the Barcelona penalty area. His precise pass led to Wissam Ben Yedder's goal in the 29th minute, giving Monaco a well-deserved lead.
Barcelona struggled to gain control of the game, lacking the usual fluency and creativity. The midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong were ineffective, failing to create meaningful chances for the attackers. Robert Lewandowski was isolated upfront, struggling to get into the game.
Second Half: Barcelona's Response and the Turning Point
Barcelona came out a different team in the second half. They pressed higher and began to control the tempo of the match. Gavi was much more influential, dictating the game from the middle. Balde was a constant threat down the left flank, his pace and agility causing problems for the Monaco defense.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 70th minute when Axel Disasi was shown a straight red card for a foul on Lewandowski. The decision, although controversial, changed the game's momentum completely.
Barcelona immediately capitalized on their numerical advantage. Just three minutes later, Balde levelled the score with a neat finish. Despite numerous attempts, including a Lewandowski penalty saved by Alexander Nubel, Barcelona couldn't find a winner.
Player Ratings
Monaco:
- Alexander Nubel (7.5): Stellar performance with multiple crucial saves, including the Lewandowski penalty.
- Takumi Minamino (8): A constant threat, providing the assist for Ben Yedder's goal.
- Wissam Ben Yedder (7): Took his goal clinically and showed his quality in the final third.
- Axel Disasi (4): A red card marred his performance, a key turning point in the match.
Barcelona:
- Alejandro Balde (8): A standout performer, his pace and goal sealed the draw.
- Gavi (7): Much improved in the second half, dictating the tempo and driving Barcelona forward.
- Frenkie de Jong (6): A decent performance, but he could have been more impactful.
- Robert Lewandowski (6): Isolated upfront in the first half, but he became more involved in the second half.
The Red Card Controversy
Disasi's red card sparked intense debate. Some argued that the foul was a clear red card, while others felt it was a harsh decision. It was a crucial moment in the match that dramatically altered the game's flow. Ultimately, the incident left a sense of disappointment for Monaco, who felt they deserved a better result.
Conclusion
While Barcelona walked away with a point, they will be disappointed with their performance. They need to find their rhythm and improve their attacking play to be considered true contenders in the Champions League. Monaco, despite the red card, showcased their quality and fought valiantly. It will be interesting to see how both teams fare in the group stage.
