The Champions League is back, and bigger than ever before! The final night of action from week one of the expanded competition sees Monaco host Barcelona. The Catalan giants are looking to build on their impressive form in LaLiga, where they have won five out of five to start 2024/25.
Barcelona ready to challenge in Europe once again.
In recent years, Barcelona has flattered to deceive in Europe. Despite a LaLiga triumph in 2022/23 the team has struggled to adapt to the loss of Lionel Messi, an era-defining talent, and has dropped from it's position at the pinnacle of the club game.
But this year, with Hansi Flick at the helm and a whole host of young stars, this Barca side could once again challenge for the UCL.
Can Lamine Yamal continue meteoric rise?
It's been quite the start for Lamine Yamal. Just two months on from his 17th birthday the Barcelona academy graduate is one of the most feared attacking talents in world soccer and he's hoping to lead his team to glory this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo drops bombshell: Lamine Yamal to dominate future football world!
Don't just take our word for it. Five-time Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo had his say on Lamine Yamal recently, revealing that he expects the youngster to become one of the world's top stars.
What did CR7 say about Lamine Yamal?
The scene is set in Monaco.
There are few more picturesque venues in the Champions League than the iconic Stade Louis II, home of AS Monaco. The French side go into tonight's game as underdogs against in-form Barcelona but they are not short on talent.
In addition to USMNT star Folarin Balogun, Monaco boast Breel Embolo in the forward positions.
Barcelona team news.
Here's how Hansi Flick's side begin their UCL campaign.
No major surprises. Raphinha is given the nod in the frontline alongside Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
Why isn’t Dani Olmo playing for Barcelona against Monaco in the Champions League today?
Despite the promising start to 2024/25, Barcelona were hit with some bad news last week. Summer signing Dani Olmo picked up an injury that will keep him out of the team for some time. Here's a look at Olmo's likely return date for Barcelona...
Why isn't Dani Olmo playing?
Barcelona in the house.
Hansi Flick and his side arrive at Stade Louis II ahead of their Champions League opener. Barcelona were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Paris Saint-Germain last year but will be confident of progressing deeper in 2024/25.
Confirmed Monaco team news: Köhn - Singo, Kehrer, Salisu, Vanderson - Zakaria, Camará - Ben Seghir, Minamino, Akliouche - Embolo.
Monaco start with Breel Embolo up front.
There's no place in the Monaco starting XI for USMNT star Folarin Balogun, with Breel Embolo preferred as the central striker.
Monaco make two changes for Barcelona clash.
Here's another look at the Monaco starting XI. Two changes from the team that beat Auxerre last weekend with Minamino and Singo coming in to replace Golovkin and Henrique.
Is Monaco part of France or its own country? Why do they play in the French league?
Monaco, also known as the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state that borders France. It is not, despite it's geography, a part of France.
So what does that mean for AS Monaco, who play in France's Ligue 1?
Why does Monaco play in France?
Less than an hour to go at Stade Louis II.
The visitors head out for a quick pitch inspection ahead of tonight's UCL opener. The new expanded format of the Champions League means that there will be no return game between these teams, no chance for revenge after this evening's game.
What are the main differences with the new Champions League?
Speaking of the new Champions League format, here's a closer look at the changes for the 2024/25 season. The new structure ups the number of participants to 36 teams and introduces a new 'league phase' first round.
New Champions League format explained
Hosts arrive at Stade Louis II.
Former Liverpool player Takumi Minamino is in the Monaco starting XI today. The Japanese forward joined the Reds from RB Leipzig but struggled to make much of an impact at Anfield.
However Minimino has become a dependable player during his time at Monaco, scoring nine goals in 30 Ligue 1 games last season.
Leverkusen make a fast start in UCL.
Kick-off between Monaco and Barcelona is now just 20 minutes away. The first round of today's UCL fixtures has just finished and there was a statement win for the German champions.
Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen romped to a 4-0 half time lead against Feyenoord and saw out the game with minimal fuss in the second half. No one will be eager to face Leverkusen this year.
Ansu Fati nears return from injury.
"Ansu has done well, we are very happy to have him because he gives us other options in attack. He is ready to play, we will see, maybe 45 minutes."
"I am thinking about a position, but I will not say. We will see tomorrow when he is on the pitch."
Why isn’t Folarin Balogun playing for Monaco against Barcelona in the Champions League today?
There's no space in the Monaco starting XI for Folarin Balogun today, with Swiss striker Breel Embolo prefered in his place. Here's a closer look at Balogun's time in France...
No Folarin Balogun for Monaco
Can Lamine Yamal help bring Barcelona back to European glories?
It's a lot of pressure to put on the shoulders of a 17-year-old, but that the position that the Barcelona youngster finds himself in.
Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Hansi Flick made clear that his team are targeting success this year: "Barça is a big team and we have to win titles"
"The Champions League is the best competition we can play in and we have to be at our best to play against the best teams. If you don't play at 100% you have no chance of winning the Champions League."
Barcelona opt for change kit against Monaco.
The LaLiga giants are wearing their black, red and blue away jersey to take on Monaco, switching from their usually red and blue affair. The hosts play in red and white, so the change is needed to avoid a kit clash.
It's a lovely number too, this Barcelona away shirt.
Possible lineup for Barcelona against Monaco in Champions League opener
Hansi Flick is without the likes of Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo due to injury but the Barcelona boss still has plenty of options for the Monaco clash. Here's how we think Barce with line up...
Barcelona team news
All of Lamine Yamal’s ‘youngest player’ records with Barcelona and Spain
Is Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal destined to be the world's greatest one day? He may only be 17, but the Barca winger has already achieved a lot in his young career and has become a key piece for club and country.
Lamine Yamal's records
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
When is AS Monaco - Barcelona? how to watch on TV, stream online | UCL
We'll be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch or stream Monaco - Barcelona in the UCL. Here's everything you need to know...
How to watch Monaco - Barcelona
The teams are out!
Monaco and Barcelona take to the field at Stade Louis II for their 2024/25 UCL opener.
Monaco make two changes to starting XI.
With kick-off fast approaching, let's have another look at the two teams.
First up, the hosts. Minamino and Singo come into the team that beat Auxerre 3-0 in Ligue 1 last weekend.
Barcelona team to face Monaco.
And here's the XI selected by Hansi Flick. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha start alongside Robert Lewandowski.
And we're off!
Barcelona get things underway at Stade Louis II.
Barcelona loo to build down the left with Raphina. Balde makes an underlapping run from deep but he can't quite reach Raphinha's through ball.
Monaco nearly get caught trying to play the ball out from the back, a bit risky in the opening stages against a top team. Barcelona are pressing high with Pedri and Casado joining the frontline.
Good win from Kounde to head a long ball clear.
Straight away, Barcelona are looking for Yamal on the right. This time Kounde's pass is overhit and it goes out for a Monaco throw-in.
Monaco are doubling up on Yamal everytime he gets the ball.
This time the 17-year-old loses it and the hosts storm up-field, finding Ben Seghir on the edge of the box. He tries his luck from range but Ter Stegen saves easily.
Monaco are starting to look more assured now, finding a bit of time and space to play the ball out from the back.
Breel Embolo will have to get through a lot of running for Monaco tonight. The Monaco man is playing as a lone striker, tasked with interrupting the Barcelona build-up.
Free kick to Monaco now, which is curled into the wall by Lamine Camara.
Barcelona get the ball clear.
Red card for Eric Garcia!
Hold on! It's a red!
The referee appeared to hesitate but he's now dismissed Eric Garcia.
Barcelona are down to ten men!
The Barcelona midfielder loses the ball on the edge of his own box and hauls Minimino down.
Free kick to the hosts and a booking for Garcia!
Barcelona look to have switch to a 4-2-3 after Garcia's dismissal, with Yamal and Raphinha on the wings.
Raphinha squanders good opening.
Now down to ten men, Barcelona find Raphinha on a break away but he takes too long in front of goal. Monaco get defenders back and the chance goes begging.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Maghnes Akliouche
The hosts lead! A swift move up the field and Akliouche does brilliantly to skip past two challenges and fire home from the edge of the box.
Phew, what a start to the game.
Brilliant recovery challenge from Cubarsi.
Monaco win the ball high up the field and slide a pass through to Embolo. The Swiss striker prepare himself to shoot but, out of nowhere, Cubarsi slides in and blocks him effort with a perfect tackle.
Monaco come forward again, making the most of their numerical advantage to switch the play swiftly from side to side.
Barcelona haven't got to grips with the challenge here.
Twenty minutes in, Monaco are making all of the running at Stade Louis II.
The hosts come forward again with Ben Seghi on the left, cutting inside. He finds Camara in space on the edge of the box but his shot is off target.
Robert Lewandowski
The Barcelona striker is down holding his head after a collision on the halfway line. He'll be fine to continue.
It's one-way traffic at the moment.
Monaco get forward again and swing in a dangerous cross from the right. The ball finds Ben Seghir on the far side but can't get past Kounde.
Barcelona lose the ball again trying to play out for the back. A round of applause form the home support as Monaco prepare to mount another attack.
Hansi Flick needs to change something here.
Mix-up at the back for Monaco.
Barcelona come forward with Raphinha on the left. He whips in a low cross that causes chaos in the Monaco backline, nearly creating a golden chance for Lewandowski.
The hosts manage to scramble the ball clear.
It was completely against the run of play but that goal has clarified the job at hand for Barcelona. Sit deep, defend well, and let the attacking quality show on the break.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Lamine Yamal
They've been outplayed for 27 minutes but Barcelona are level thanks to a stunning solo goal from Lamine Yamal! An incredible striek from the 17-year-old.
All square!
A long ball was punted forward towards Yamal. He muscled Vanderson off the ball and turned towards goal. Skipping past two Monaco defenders, Yamal made space for a shot and fired low past Kohn from the edge of the box.
Camara
The Monaco man is booked for a mistimed challenge in the middle.
Monaco win a free kick on the left and curl it into the middle. The ball is poked home from close range but the assistant's flag is up. The goal will not stand.
Still 1-1.
Sharp movement from Embolo makes space for a shot on goal but Cubarsi comes across to block his effort at the last second.
More good defending from Cubarsi. He may have to do a lot of that this evening.
With five minutes to go there's not much to choose between the two teams. Monaco have the extra man and are enjoying more of the ball, but Barcelona's attacking talent has shown its potency in the first half.
It's all to play for.
Lamine Yamal is caught late by Vanderson by the touchline. That'll be a free kick to Barcelona.
Monaco have let Barcelona get back into the game here, failing to control the game with their one-man advantage. Hansi Flick will be fairly happy with how his side have weathered the storm in the first half
Takumi Minamino works some space in the Barcelona box and fires at goal. It's well-struck but his effort flies into the side netting.
So close to a second for Monaco.
Camara curls in a deep free kick from the left, a brilliant teasing ball across the face of goal. Two Monaco player slide in but neither can reach it.
The ball bounces out for a goal kick.
Now Ben Seghir gets revenge on Kounde, skipping past the full-back and winning his team a free kick.
Good defending from Kounde to stop the progress of Ben Seghir on the flank and win his team a throw-in.
Half time. Monaco 1-1 Barcelona.
All square at Stade Louis II after an action packed first half.
There were plenty of chances for Monaco in the opening 45 minutes but Barcelona 's Lamine Yamal needed just one to level the scores.
In fact, it was even a chance. The 17-year-old muscled Vanderson off a long ball, cut inside another challenge and fired home from the edge of the box. A brilliant first UCL goal for the youngster.
First of many for Lamine Yamal.
Lamine Yamal's incredible records
All of Lamine Yamal’s ‘youngest player’ records with Barcelona and Spain
Tonight's goal is another milestone in the incredible career of Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona sensation holds a whole host of records for his team and the Spanish national side.
Here's a closer look../
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
All of Lamine Yamal’s ‘youngest player’ records with Barcelona and Spain
Michael Jordan in attendance for Monaco - Barcelona
As far as VIP guests go, it doesn't get much bigger than this. The NBA star is at Stade Louis II to watch this UCL clash.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
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