FC Barcelona’s UEFA Youth League campaign began on a disappointing note as they fell to AS Monaco in a high-scoring encounter that ended 4-3. The match started positively for Barça, with Arnau Prades opening the scoring and Hugo Alba converting a penalty to give them a 2-0 lead in the first half.
However, momentum shifted just before halftime when Tincres scored for Monaco, followed by a powerful strike from Buabre, leveling the match at 2-2 as both teams retreated to the locker rooms.
In the second half, Barcelona aimed to regain control and came close several times before substitute Pedro Fernández found the net from the edge of the area, restoring their lead at 3-2. Yet, Monaco responded fiercely, with Tincres scoring his second goal to equalize again and Carvalho subsequently putting the home side ahead for the first time in the match.
Despite Barcelona’s strong start, they were unable to salvage a point by the end of the match, suffering a frustrating defeat on their first outing in the tournament.
Match Statistics:
AS Monaco 4, FC Barcelona 3
Monaco: Stawiecki, Mokabakila, Ninombe, Kiwa, Coudour (Guerchi, 75′), Cabral, Benama (Dembaga, 85′), Bamba (Toure, 65′), Michal (Carvalho, 75′), Tincres, Bouabre (Boura, 85′).
Barcelona: Yaakobishvili, Xavi Espart (Guillem Victor, 46′), Kospo, Leo Saca, Walton, Pedro Soma (Tomas Marques, 58′), Jan Virgili, Quim Junyent (Brian Fariñas, 58′), Hugo Alba, Juan (Pedro Fernández, 58′), Arnau Pradas (Marcos Parriego, 72′).
Goals: 1-0 Arnau Prades (17′), 2-0 Hugo Alba (36′), 2-1 Tincres (41′), 2-2 Baubre (44′), 3-2 Fernández (57′), 3-3 Tincres (65′), 4-3 Carvalho (80′).
Referee: Bence Csonka. Yellow cards were issued to Bamba and Cabral from Monaco, and Victor and Walton from Barça.