Two giants of European football, Monaco and Barcelona, face off at the Stade Louis II on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 8 pm UK time in what promises to be an intense Champions League encounter. Both clubs have made impressive starts to their respective domestic campaigns, coming off unbeaten runs. With each team finishing second in their respective leagues last season, they now aim to go one step further in the competition and prove their Champions League credentials.
For Monaco, this represents a significant test under the leadership of Adi Hutter. After finishing behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, Monaco have ambitions to shine on the European stage, especially given their strong historical performances in the competition. For Barcelona, this is their 21st consecutive Champions League appearance, and despite their struggles in recent years, they will be eager to stamp their authority early in the group stage.
While Monaco will seek to overcome their poor home record in Europe, Barcelona arrive in excellent form. Both teams are determined to make a statement as they clash in this crucial early-season fixture.
Team Analysis:
Monaco:
Monaco enters this contest on the back of an unbeaten domestic run, having extended their strong start to the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Auxerre. Under the stewardship of Adi Hutter, Monaco have rediscovered their confidence, with key players like Takumi Minamino and Breel Embolo leading the attack. Hutter’s side boasts a solid midfield anchored by Lamine Camara, who has been passed fit after recovering from a neck injury. His return will add steel to a team that has looked well-organised defensively, conceding few goals in Ligue 1 so far.
One area of concern for Monaco will be their poor Champions League home form. The Stade Louis II has not been a fortress in Europe, with Monaco losing their last seven home games in this competition. Breaking this losing streak is crucial if they are to take anything from a dangerous Barcelona side. On the positive side, Monaco’s impressive record against Spanish teams, winning seven of their previous nine encounters, offers some confidence.
A high-pressing style under Hutter could test Barcelona’s resolve, but Monaco will need to be disciplined at the back to contain Barca’s potent attack. Denis Zakaria in midfield and Axel Disasi at the back will be key figures if Monaco are to stifle their opponents.
Barcelona:
For Barcelona, this season marks a continuation of their recent rebuilding process under Hansi Flick, and they enter this Champions League clash with real momentum. Barcelona extended their perfect start to the La Liga campaign with a 4-1 victory over Girona, making it five wins from five in the league, during which they’ve netted 17 goals. Robert Lewandowski remains their talisman, with the striker already eyeing his 100th Champions League goal, while Lamine Yamal has burst onto the scene, impressing with his flair and creativity.
Despite their domestic dominance, Barcelona have faltered on the European stage in recent years, including back-to-back group-stage exits in 2021 and 2022. A strong start in the group is therefore vital, and Barca’s fast starts in recent Champions League campaigns – scoring big wins over Ferencvaros and Viktoria Plzen on opening days – suggest they will be looking to impose themselves early.
Barcelona’s injury list, however, remains a concern. Dani Olmo has been ruled out until after the international break with a hamstring injury, joining the likes of Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines. This will place additional pressure on the squad, especially in the midfield, where they are lacking depth. However, with Pedri pulling the strings and Lewandowski leading the line, Barcelona remain a fearsome proposition.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, these two teams have only met once in the Champions League, during the 1993 season, where Barcelona came out on top in both encounters without conceding a goal. However, the landscape has changed significantly since then, and Monaco will be looking to rewrite the script.
Prediction and Betting Tips:
Prediction: While both teams boast unbeaten starts to their domestic seasons, Barcelona seem to have the upper hand, particularly given Monaco’s poor home form in the Champions League. Despite Monaco’s dangerous record against Spanish sides, Barcelona’s offensive firepower, led by Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, could prove too much for the French side.
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Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Monaco 1-3 Barcelona.
Justification: Barcelona’s attacking strength, coupled with their fast starts in recent Champions League campaigns, positions them as favourites. Monaco’s poor home record in this competition also weighs heavily against them. With Barcelona’s superior European pedigree, they are likely to come away with a win.
Betting Markets:
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Given Monaco’s attacking options and Barcelona’s strong front line, both teams are likely to find the back of the net.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
- Barcelona’s high-scoring form in the league, coupled with Monaco’s attacking intent, points towards a high-scoring affair.
- Hot Stat:
- Robert Lewandowski to score anytime. The Polish striker has scored eight goals in the Champions League since joining Barcelona and will be hungry for more.
- Corners Total: Over 8.5 corners
- Both sides love to attack, which often leads to a high number of corners in matches involving them.
Team News:
Monaco:
- Lamine Camara is expected to return to the starting lineup after being cleared of concussion protocols.
- Edan Diop and backup goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki remain unavailable due to injury.
- Adi Hutter is expected to make several changes to keep his squad fresh after their Ligue 1 fixture, though the core lineup should remain intact.
Barcelona:
- Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong are sidelined due to injury, with Ronald Araujo also out.
- Despite the injury woes, Hansi Flick is likely to field a strong lineup with Pedri and Lewandowski leading the charge.
Probable Lineups:
Monaco Starting XI:
Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Barcelona Starting XI:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri, Casado; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
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