UEFA Champions League 2024/25: Monaco vs Barcelona – Preview & Prediction

Barcelona embarks on their UEFA Champions League journey with an away fixture against AS Monaco, scheduled for Friday at 12:30 AM. This opening game of the revamped 2024/25 tournament will be held at the Stade Louis II, as both teams aim to secure an early advantage in the new league phase of Europe’s elite competition.

Monaco vs Barcelona: Match Preview

Barcelona comes into this match fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory over Girona in the Catalan derby. This win caps off an incredible start to the season under the leadership of Hansi Flick, who has revitalized the squad following their rocky pre-season. One key low point was their 3-0 defeat to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy, but since then, Barça has been on fire, winning five consecutive matches across all competitions.

While their last meeting ended in disappointment, the Spanish giants have shown vast improvement in both defense and attack, reigniting the spirit of their former European-dominating teams. Flick’s side has restructured its pressing game, and its creativity in the final third has been remarkable, highlighted by the impressive form of young Lamine Yamal.

AS Monaco, under Adi Hütter, also come into the match in excellent shape. Their 3-0 victory over Auxerre marked their fourth unbeaten match in Ligue 1 this season, showcasing their defensive resilience. Conceding only once in their opening four fixtures, the French outfit will look to frustrate the visitors with their solid defensive unit.

Monaco’s victory over Barça in the Joan Gamper Trophy remains a sore spot for the Blaugrana faithful. Despite being a pre-season friendly, the performance exposed several tactical flaws. Barcelona’s lackluster passing, disorganized defense, and lack of intensity were major concerns back then, but Flick’s team has since addressed those issues.

Friday night offers the perfect chance for Barcelona to prove that the loss was an aberration. With new energy and tactical refinement, the Catalans aim to demonstrate their evolution and leave no doubt as to their status as one of Europe’s top teams. The revenge factor adds another layer of excitement to this clash, as Barcelona will look to capitalize on Monaco’s traditionally strong but beatable defense.

Monaco’s defense has been a standout feature, with their backline led by seasoned players like Salisu and Vanderson. However, they now face an enormous challenge in stopping a Barcelona attack that has scored a whopping 17 goals in just five La Liga games. With Robert Lewandowski leading the line and young sensation Lamine Yamal showing incredible form, Barça’s frontline promises to test the resilience of Monaco’s defensive setup.

Yamal, fresh off scoring twice against Girona, has quickly become a critical figure in Barça’s attack. His creativity, movement, and goalscoring prowess make him a constant threat, while veteran forward Lewandowski remains ever-dangerous in the box. Monaco will need to be at their absolute best to keep Barcelona’s attackers at bay.

Monaco vs Barcelona: Head-to-Head

Barcelona has a perfect record against AS Monaco, winning both previous encounters between the two sides.

Monaco vs Barcelona: Team News

Monaco

Monaco will be without Edan Diop and Radoslaw Majecki for Thursday’s clash, but Lamine Camara has been cleared to return to training after undergoing concussion tests following the 3-0 win over Auxerre last weekend.

Camara, who has impressed since his summer transfer from Metz, is expected to start in Adi Hütter’s lineup, likely partnering the in-form Denis Zakaria in midfield.

Takumi Minamino, the former Liverpool attacking midfielder, may return to the starting XI, while Breel Embolo is set to lead the attack, ahead of ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

For Monaco, we expect Adi Hütter to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Their probable lineup includes Kohn in goal, with Vanderson, Henrique, Salisu, and Kehrer in defense. In midfield, Zakaria and Camara will provide balance, while the attack may feature Akliouche, Ben Seghir, Minamino or Golovin, and Embolo.

Monaco: Predicted Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Kohn
• Defenders: Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique
• Midfielders: Camara, Zakaria, Minamino
• Forwards: Akliouche, Ben Seghir, Embolo

Barcelona

Barcelona’s injury concerns have deepened with Dani Olmo suffering a hamstring injury during the Girona match last weekend. The Spaniard is expected to be sidelined for at least a month, with a return anticipated after the October international break.

Olmo joins fellow midfielders Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi on the injury list, though Gavi is nearing a first-team comeback. Defensively, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo remain unavailable.

Despite these setbacks, Barcelona’s impressive form has been fueled by their clinical finishing. In La Liga, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal have all contributed five or more goals and assists this season.

Barcelona: Predicted Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
• Defenders: Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde
• Midfielders: Casado, Pedri, Raphinha
• Forwards: Yamal, Torres, Lewandowski

Monaco vs Barcelona: Prediction

The offensive capabilities of both teams suggest a high-scoring affair. Barcelona’s attacking power has been overwhelming, and if they score early, Monaco’s defense might be forced out of their shape, leading to an open game. Monaco, while defensively sound, has shown the ability to score themselves, and both teams are in strong form.

Given the form of Lamine Yamal, who has yet to score in the Champions League but is red-hot in La Liga, this could be his breakout European performance. Expect Barcelona to control the pace of the game, with Monaco offering resistance but eventually succumbing to the quality of the visitors.

Hansi Flick’s side has learned from their preseason blunders, and they should be able to execute a solid game plan, securing a vital away win to kick off their Champions League campaign in style.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Monaco

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