Nigerian teenager George Ilenikhena made a dream Champions League debut, scoring the decisive goal as AS Monaco stunned 10-man Barcelona in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old substitute latched onto Vanderson’s perfectly placed long ball in the 71st minute and fired past Marc-André ter Stegen, securing a remarkable win for the French side.
Ilenikhena’s strike, his first since joining Monaco from Royal Antwerp in the summer, marked a memorable debut in Europe’s top competition.
Barcelona were reduced to 10 men just 10 minutes in, after Eric Garcia received a straight red card for a foul on Takumi Minamino, following a misplaced pass by Ter Stegen.
Monaco capitalised shortly after, with Maghnes Akliouche coolly slotting home to give them the lead.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal brought the visitors back into the match, scoring his first Champions League goal with a brilliant low shot into the bottom corner after cutting inside.
However, George Ilenikhena’s 71st-minute strike sealed the game for Monaco, condemning Barcelona to a shock opening defeat.
Monaco had further chances to extend their lead, with Vanderson testing Ter Stegen and Minamino hitting the crossbar, while Folarin Balogun saw a late penalty overturned by VAR.
Monaco’s upset victory leaves Barcelona with a lot to ponder as they aim to recover from a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign.
