AS Monaco vs Barcelona – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates

5x Champions League winners Barcelona finally get their European campaign underway later tonight. The Blaugrana travel to the French Riviera for their UEFA Champions League opener against AS Monaco.

Both Barcelona and AS Monaco have enjoyed unbeaten starts to their respective domestic campaigns. In four Ligue 1 games, Monaco have secured three wins and a draw, which has left them just two points behind league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Barcelona have won all five of the La Liga matches. As a result, they hold a four-point gap over second-placed Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. Both teams would be eager to translate their stellar form onto the Europe stage. And that begins tonight at the Stade Louis II. So, fans buckle up because this is going to be a cracker of a match. 

AS Monaco vs Barcelona – Match Preview 

Hansi Flick is loving life in Barcelona, as of now. The German head coach has led Blaugrana to a 100% record in La Liga, despite having to deal with a whole host of injuries. Moreover, Barca aren’t just edging out games, they are blowing opponents away with their offensive firepower. Les Culers have managed to score 17 goals in five La Liga games. With such dazzling offensive form, Flick's squad looks set to be a nightmare for any opponent. However, things can change very quickly in football. And Barcelona should maintain this form if they aim to reach the latter stages of the tournament. 

Since their last Champions League triumph in 2015, Blaugrana have only managed to progress beyond the quarterfinals stage just once. They have even faced the humiliation of group-stage exits in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. It’s a far cry from their former dominance, but Flick is determined to change that narrative. Having said that, Tonight’s clash against AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II presents a tricky test. Historically, Barcelona has struggled on French soil, with only two wins in their last nine visits, including last season's lone victory at PSG that still ended in a quarterfinal exit. 

Furthermore, AS Monaco are enjoying a renaissance of sort under the guidance of Adi Hutter. The German head coach took over the reins of Monaco from Philippe Clement at the start of last season, and the difference is there for all to see. Hutter led Monaco to a second-place finish in his very first season incharge. This season, he’s aiming to go one better, and so far, Monaco have started the season like contenders. Les Monegasques recent 3-0 thumping of Auxerre further provided a glimpse of their quality.  

However, the Champions League is a whole different ball game. Monaco are back in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2018, and they’re up against some heavyweights. Besides Barcelona, they face the likes of Benfica, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Inter Milan in the “league phase.” By all means, Monaco have been handed one of the toughest draws. Facing Barcelona is no small task, but Monaco can take heart from their stellar record against Spanish sides. They have come out on top in seven of their last nine meetings with teams from Spain. 

AS Monaco vs Barcelona – Team News and Updates 

Monaco should get a boost with midfielder Lamine Camara cleared to play after being stretchered off with a neck injury against Auxerre. He’s out of concussion protocols and ready to return. However, Edan Diop and backup keeper Radoslaw Majecki remain sidelined and won't be back until next month at the earliest. Adi Hutter has been rotating his squad, and with a wealth of options, he might mix things up again. He made eight changes before the international break but returned to the winning XI from their game against Lyon for the clash with Auxerre. 

On the flip side, Barcelona’s injury woes continue to pile up. Dani Olmo will be out until after the October international break with a hamstring issue picked up against Girona, leaving Hansi Flick with fewer midfield options. Joining him on the sidelines are Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen. 

Ronald Araujo is also out, not just due to injury but also because of a suspension from his red card against PSG last season. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is aiming for a milestone of his own. With 94 Champions League goals under his belt, he's gunning to become the third player to hit the century mark during this season’s league phase. 

AS Monaco vs Barcelona – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 20th September 2024 (Friday) at Stade Louis II in Monaco. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).  

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