Champions League: Barcelona downed by Monaco as Arsenal held by Atalanta
Sept. 20, 2024, 3:04 a.m.
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In a shocking upset, Monaco, a French club, defeated Barcelona, who were playing with only 10 men, with a score of 2-1 in the Champions League on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arsenal held Europa League winners Atalanta to a scoreless draw thanks to a stunning double save by their goalkeeper, David Raya.
Barcelona, who had a perfect record in their first five La Liga matches, saw their winning streak come to an end in the French Riviera after Eric Garcia was sent off in the 11th minute.
Maghnes Akliouche put the French side in front just five minutes after Garcia was sent off for a last-man tackle on Takumi Minamino.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal leveled the score in the 28th minute with a precise shot after cutting in from the right onto his preferred left foot, but George Ilenikhena snatched the winning goal for Monaco within the final 20 minutes.
Another day, another grind! 🤷♂️ https://t.co/Hj4JBsvmoc
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) September 19, 2024 “After 10 minutes with the red card the game changed totally, but what I can see is really the positive thing,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told reporters.
“We tried to defend as a team and also attack as a team, and we had chances, but today they deserve the 2-1 (win), so we have to accept that.”
David Raya just pulled off an absolutely insane double save. pic.twitter.com/XWxuxsief7
— Tactically Matt (@TacticallyMatt) September 19, 2024 Advertisement In Italy, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya earned his side a point in a tough start to their campaign against Atalanta with a 0-0 draw.
The match was a tense affair until the 51st minute when Mateo Retegui stepped up to take a penalty after a foul by Thomas Partey on Ederson. Raya dived to his right and made a crucial save.
The ball bounced back into the air, seemingly destined for the net, but Raya quickly got back to his feet and made a heroic leap across the goal line to keep the ball out.
Advertisement “It’s just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it,” Raya told TNT Sports.
“I was unlucky to give the rebound straight back to him but I was quick enough to get up and save it.”
Griezmann is the GOAT.
Debate closed. pic.twitter.com/mkvZc0QpmT
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 19, 2024 Advertisement A 90th-minute header by Jose Maria Gimenez sent Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone scuttling down the touchline in delight as his side edged visitors RB Leipzig 2-1.
The German visitors took the lead early on when Benjamin Sesko found the back of the net after just four minutes. However, Antoine Griezmann brought Atletico level just before the half-hour mark with a composed finish inside the penalty area.
Griezmann then turned provider, sending a precise cross into the box where Gimenez soared above the Leipzig defense to nod the ball past Peter Gulacsi and spark wild celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Advertisement “It’s amazing, to get a last-minute goal like this is always fantastic and it’s good to give the fans something to cheer about,” Atletico’s former Leipzig striker Alexander Sorloth told DAZN.
‘Efficient’ Leverkusen
It's Raining in Rotterdam. Goals. It's Raining Goals. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/LCthuprM3d
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 19, 2024 Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz enjoyed a dream Champions League debut as the Bundesliga champions thumped Dutch side Feyenoord 4-0 away from home.
The 21-year-old player netted two goals, one in each half, before Alex Grimaldo added another. A Feyenoord own goal by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther sealed the victory for Leverkusen before the break.
“It may have looked pretty easy, but it’s really not,” Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso told reporters.
“Overall it was a very serious, very efficient performance from us, but it’s never easy.”
Brest had never played a European game before tonight & can't play at their home stadium as it doesn't meet UEFA requirements. But on the Pirates sail, beating Sturm Graz 2-1. 🏴☠️
Just listen to how excited they were to sing the UCL anthem for the first time 🤩pic.twitter.com/zJgmglVOFd
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 19, 2024 French side Brest made a winning start in their first-ever appearance in European competition by seeing off Austria’s Sturm Graz 2-1.
Playing at Brittany rivals Guingamp’s home ground as their own stadium does not meet UEFA standards, Brest took the lead midway through the first half through Hugo Magnetti.
An own-goal by Edimilson Fernandes on the stroke of half-time levelled matters but Abdallah Sima’s smart finish in the 56th minute was enough to divide the sides.
Benfica held firm against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, securing a 2-1 win with goals from Turkish duo Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu in the first half.
The second matchday of the Champions League group stage will take place on October 1 and 2, with Arsenal hosting Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich visiting Aston Villa, and reigning champions Real Madrid traveling to Lille.
