Lewandowski 4.5, Ter Stegen 4 | Monaco 2-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings | OneFootball

In stark contrast to the team’s flying start to La Liga, Barcelona’s first UEFA Champions League clash of the year offered a serious reality check and was anything but simple.

Hansi Flick and Co. travelled to France to take on AS Monaco on match day 1 and the Ligue 1 side gave the Spanish leaders a run for their money.

The hosts started strong and put pressure on Barcelona, only to be helped by Flick’s side being reduced to ten men just in the 10th minute.

Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the French side just six minutes after the game-changing incident but Lamine Yamal struck back for Barcelona with a wonder goal midway through the half to equalise the score.

The second half continued the trend of Monaco keeping the pressure with possession and their dominance grew as Barcelona slowly faded away their resistance with ten men.

In the end, a 73rd-minute goal from George Ilenikhena gave the hosts a 2-1 lead and three points.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the UCL season opener.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 4

The German star was called into action regularly in Monaco’s spirited first half and made four big saves, all of which came from inside the box.

However, it was also his embarrassing pass directly to Monaco that led to Eric Garcia being sent off and Barcelona playing at a disadvantage.

Almost punched the ball into his net at the hour mark and was unconvincing with his saves for most parts of the game.

In many ways, the man is solely responsible for sending the team to a disadvantage.

Alejandro Balde: 3

An underwhelming display from the Spanish full-back as he saw meagre action on the field and minimally contributed to the collective.

Defensively decent but completely absent in the final third, the youngster recorded just thirteen passes on the night.

Inigo Martinez: 6

A solid defensive performance from the veteran centre-back including five clearances but was simply faced with too much pressure to handle after the red card.

Cannot be blamed solely for either of the goals for the gaping void with a man less perpetually plagued the centre-backs.

Pau Cubarsi: 6

Under pressure after the team went a man down, Cubarsi did well to hold his nerve and not err against the French attack.

His calm distribution, in fact, served as a valuable resource to create counterattacks given the numerical inferiority.

Completed five clearances, blocked one shot, and one tackle and won two duels in 90 minutes.

Jules Kounde: 6.5

A decent defensive show from Kounde who tried to even push forward in attack when granted the chance.

However, he too could not help string possession together for the team amidst the high press from Monaco.

Eric Garcia: 3

The Spaniard started in the double pivot for Barcelona but was forced to depart early after he was made the scapegoat for Ter Stegen’s poor pass.

An unfortunate red card for a player at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Marc Casado: 7

A mature performance from the La Masia starlet especially given the frequency with which Monaco pushed wave after wave in attack.

Had a lot more defensive responsibility to shoulder after Garcia’s red card as he was forced to man the fortress with minimal support. Earned a great assist for Yamal’s equaliser.

Pedri: 6.5

Positioned as the attacking midfielder against Monaco, Pedri was forced to make a tactical adjustment as early as the tenth minute.

Garcia’s marching orders forced the Canary Islander to slot into the double pivot alongside Casado, shifting the team to a three-man attack. Yet, the youngster did well to orchestrate the play in possession and was the team’s most important player in the transition.

Raphinha: 5

A relatively off-day for Barcelona’s Brazilian forward as he was minimally involved in the buildup or pressure system through the entire first half and large tracts of the second.

Improved slightly after the hour mark with his off-the-ball runs and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but just fell short with his runs.

Lamine Yamal: 7

Yamal finally broke his goalscoring drought in the UEFA Champions League on the night and in some style.

Receiving the ball from over the top, the youngster showed great composure to control the ball and fired a low strike beyond the reach of the goalkeeper from distance.

Robert Lewandowski: 4.5

The Polish star was minimally involved through the first period, more so after the dynamic changing sending off early in the game.

Recorded just 11 passes and no shots in the opening 45 minutes and took his tally to 19 passes in 90 minutes.