FC Barcelona was on a dream run in the La Liga 2024/25 season. The Catalonian club won all five of its domestic league games, scoring 17 goals and conceding 4. Under Hansi Flick, the team was in a row and playing some amazing football. However, in their first UEFA Champions League (UCL) match, the side got their second defeat AS Monaco defeated them 2-1 last night. They were the first side to defeat them in the Joan Gamper Trophy 3-0.
Barca looked rusty from the start of the game. They started in a bit shaky way. Monaco’s high press and physical football created problems for the five-time UCL champions. It paid off for the French club as Barca’s club captain Marc Andre ter Stegen played a loose pass toward Eric Garcia. Takumi Minamino was pressing the center back and Garcia lost the ball.
The former Manchester City defender had to take down Minamino outside the box who had a clear chance of scoring a goal. Referee Allard Lindhout was near the incident. The 23-year-old was shown a direct red card 10 minutes into the game. Marc Andre-ter Stegen’s mistake was costly for Barca as they soon conceded in the match. However, Lamine Yamal equalised but the 10-man Barcelona struggled throughout the game.
FC Barcelona struggles to find new goalkeeper
Not only once the German international created trouble for his side. He lost easy balls playing out from the back. This has been seen many times since last season and in the last La Liga game he also failed to collect the ball misjudging it and causing a goal against Girona. Is it high time for Barca to change their No.1? Yes, the Blaugranes need to look beyond ter Stegen. The side needs a keeper who can give the leadership from the back.
Barca will play at Estadio de la Ceramica against Villareal. They will look to continue their unbeaten run in La Liga and keep their top position. Flick is already short of footballers. There’s a long list of injuries that are being suffered. Gavi and Frenkie de Jong have joined the side. They might be on the bench in the next game.
