Barcelona’s UEFA Youth League campaign began on a disappointing note as they fell to Monaco in a thrilling match that ended 4-3. The contest started strongly for Barça, who scored two goals in the first 36 minutes. Arnau Prades opened the scoring, followed by a penalty converted by Hugo Alba after he was fouled.
However, the tide turned before halftime. Monaco leveled the score with a headed goal from Tincres in the 41st minute and a powerful strike from Buabre just before the break, making it 2-2.
In the second half, Barça sought to regain their lead. Substitute Pedro Fernández fired a strong effort at goal from the edge of the area, but their resurgence was short-lived. Monaco countered effectively, with Tincres netting his second goal in the 65th minute to tie the game again, before Carvalho scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute, giving Monaco a 4-3 victory.
Despite a promising start, Barça left the pitch empty-handed after a match they looked set to win.
MATCH STATS
AS MONACO, 4
FC BARCELONA, 3
Monaco: Stawiecki, Mokabakila, Ninombe, Kiwa, Coudour (Guerchi, min. 75), Cabral, Benama (Dembaga, min. 85), Bamba (Toure, min. 65), Michal (Carvalho, min. 75), Tincres, Bouabre (Boura, min. 85).
Barça: Yaakobishvili, Xavi Espart (Guillem Victor, min. 46), Kospo, Leo Saca, Walton, Pedro Soma (Tomas Marques, min. 58), Jan Virgili, Quim Junyent (Brian Fariñas, min. 58), Hugo Alba, Juan (Pedro Fernandez, min. 58), Arnau Pradas (Marcos Parriego, min. 72).
Goals: 0-1, Arnau Prades (min. 17); 0-2, Hugo Alba (min. 36); 1-2, Tincres (min. 41); 2-2, Buabre (min. 44); 2-3, Fernández (min. 57); 3-3, Tincres (min. 65); 4-3, Carvalho (min. 80).
Referee: Bence Csonka. Yellow cards were issued to Bamba (Monaco), Cabral (Monaco), Víctor (Barça), and Walton (Barça).