New Delhi: Monaco will host Barcelona at the Stade Louis II in their UEFA Champions League campaign opener tonight. Both teams have enjoyed an unbeaten start to this season’s campaign with the hosts winning three out of four games while the visitors are enjoying a 100% record so far.
Hansi Flick’s team aims for their third consecutive win as they prepare for their 21st consecutive season in Europe’s elite competition. The only team ahead of them is Real Madrid having a longer run of 28. However, given the club’s stature, there is a clear need for improvement in their recent European performances.
Since lifting the European title in 2015, Barcelona have only reached the semi-finals once, a period that also saw two group-stage exits in 2021 and 2022. This is a stark contrast to their golden era when they made it to at least the semi-finals in 10 out of 15 seasons from 1999 to 2015.
Monaco, on the other hand, under Adi Hutter Monaco seems to be heading in the right direction after finishing second to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season.
Their unbeaten run stretched to four games following a 3-0 victory over Auxerre last weekend where Hutter made several substitutions with the game effectively won by the hour mark.
However, the upcoming challenge is a significant step up from their domestic opposition putting their unbeaten start at risk. Facing Barcelona first, Les Rouge et Blanc will also have to contend with Benfica and Aston Villa at home while traveling to Inter Milan and Arsenal in what promises to be a tough group stage.
Despite the daunting fixture list, Monaco can draw confidence from their strong record against Spanish clubs having won seven of their last nine encounters.
However, their recent home form in this competition is concerning, having lost seven consecutive matches at the Stade Louis II. No team in the competition’s history has ever lost eight home games in a row.
Barcelona will look to keep their winning streak going but before the action kicks off let’s take a look at which team holds the upper hand over the other.
Team News
Dani Olmo injured during match against Girona. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
In Monaco’s camp, midfielder Lamine Camara is expected to be available after receiving clearance from Ligue 1’s concussion protocols following his neck injury against Auxerre last weekend.
However, Edan Diop and backup goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki remain sidelined and are not expected to return until next month at the earliest.
Before the international break, Adi Hutter made eight changes to his lineup against Lens but for the match against Auxerre, he reverted to the starting XI that had defeated Lyon. With a fully fit squad at his disposal, Hutter may opt for further rotation in the upcoming fixtures.
On the other hand, in Barcelona’s camp, Dani Olmo will be out until the October international break with a hamstring injury which he sustained against Girona on Sunday leaving Hansi Flick extremely short on midfield options.
The other absentees include Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and Ansu Fati. Ronald Araujo is also currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but he would have been suspended anyway because of his red card against PSG in last season’s quarter-final.
Robert Lewandowski since joining the Blaugrana he has scored eight Champions League goals and taken his tally overall to 94. He will be setting his sights on becoming the third player to hit the century mark during the league phase.
Head-to-Head
Paris Saint-German and Girona have met just twice in the competitive games with both meetings coming in the 1993-94 Champions League group stage. The Blaugrana recorded wins in both meetings and kept a clean sheet.
Monaco are making a comeback in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2018-19 edition. That season they lost five of the six games and scored just twice.
Barcelona have won 20 of their last 28 campaign openers in the Champions League. So far the Blaugrana have a 100% record in all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals in just five games. Les Monehasques are winless in their last 14 games in the Champions League having suffered 11 losses.
Barca have scored at least two goals in their last seven away games in all competitions while Monaco have suffered consecutive losses at home in the Champions League. Les Monegasques have failed to score in four games that period.
Predicted lineup
Monaco: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri, Casado; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
When, where, and how to watch the Monaco vs Barcelona match in India?
The Monaco vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Fans can tune into the Sony Sports Ten 5 at 12:30 am to catch the action. Live streaming of the Champions League 2024/25 will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
Match Prediction
Monaco have won three of their last four games this season, managing to keep a clean sheet in each of their victories. Le Rocher are unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches and will be eager to maintain their strong run.
Barcelona, under new manager Hansi Flick, have enjoyed a flawless start to the season. The Blaugranas boast five wins from five and, with their current form, look set to continue their dominant performances. Another victory seems well within reach for Barca.
Final Scoreline: Monaco 0-2 Barcelona
Monaco and Barcelona will meet at the Stade Louis II tonight. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
