FULL TIME
2-1
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Monaco: possible starting lineup: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Barcelona: possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri, Casado; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Match Preview
Monaco and Barcelona, both undefeated this season, face off in a high-stakes Champions League match at the Stade Louis II on Thursday. Monaco, under new coach Adi Hutter, have made a strong start in Ligue 1, sitting second behind PSG, and continued their good form with a 3-0 win over Auxerre. However, they face a major step up in competition as they prepare to host Barcelona, the first of several tough matches in a group that includes Benfica, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Arsenal.
Monaco’s record against Spanish clubs could give them hope, with seven wins in their last nine meetings, but their home form in the Champions League is troubling. They’ve lost their last seven home games in the competition, the worst streak in its history, and Hutter will be hoping to break that streak against a dangerous Barcelona side. Historically, Monaco have done well in Europe, despite their limited appearances, reaching a final, three semi-finals, and a quarter-final in just nine seasons.
Barcelona, now led by Hansi Flick, have similarly made a great start to their season, extending their perfect league run with a 4-1 victory over Girona. However, they face challenges in Europe, as they’ve struggled to replicate their past success, having only progressed beyond the quarter-finals once since their 2015 triumph. Despite this, they’ve been dominant in their Champions League openers in recent years, scoring heavily against lesser-known sides. They’ll be hoping to continue that trend, though their recent record in France is less encouraging, with just two wins in their last nine visits.
Barcelona will be missing key players, including Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen, adding to Flick's headaches in midfield. Ronald Araujo is also out, though he would have been suspended for this match. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski will be a key figure in attack as he closes in on 100 Champions League goals, needing six more to reach that milestone.
Monaco will have most of their squad available, with Lamine Camara cleared to play after a neck injury scare, while Edan Diop and Radoslaw Majecki are the only confirmed absentees. With both teams aiming to continue their unbeaten runs, this clash promises to be an intense and closely fought encounter in Monaco.