‘It’s not an exploit’ – AS Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir downplays ‘shock’ element of victory over Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona have been in red-hot form since Hansi Flick’s arrival. With five wins in their first five La Liga games and with 17 goals scored during that time, they headed to the Stade Louis II brimming with confidence.

However, in their first UEFA Champions League game of the campaign, against AS Monaco, they became unstuck. By the 16th minute, they found themselves a goal down and a man down, after Eric Garcia’s reckless hauling down of Takumi Minamino, with the Japan international through on goal.

Despite equalising through Lamine Yamal, Monaco once again took the lead through substitute George Ilenikhena, holding on for the victory. Many had identified the Principality club as the underdog in this fixture, however, Eliesse Ben Seghir, one of the key players in the victory, sought to downplay the ‘shock’ element of the result.

“No, it’s not an exploit. Why would it be?” began the Morocco international when passing through the mixed zone post-match. “We are capable of beating big teams. We have shown that in the league,” he added. Currently unbeaten in Ligue 1, Les Monégasques sit third, two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle