By Two unbeaten teams, AS Monaco and FC Barcelona, are set to face off in their UEFA Champions League opener at Stade Louis II on Thursday, with both clubs looking to build on strong starts to their domestic campaigns.
Monaco, under new manager Adi Hutter, enter the match following a 3-0 victory over Auxerre that extended their unbeaten run to four games in Ligue 1. The principality club finished as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain last season and aim to challenge for the title again this year.
Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, come into the match with a perfect record in La Liga, having won all five of their opening fixtures. Their most recent outing saw them defeat Girona 4-1, with young star Lamine Yamal scoring twice.
Both teams face injury concerns heading into the match. Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is expected to be available after clearing concussion protocols, while Barcelona will be without several key players including Dani Olmo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen.
Monaco’s recent home form in the Champions League has been poor, with the club losing their last seven matches at Stade Louis II. Another defeat would set an unwanted record for consecutive home losses in the competition.
Barcelona, despite their domestic success, have struggled in recent Champions League campaigns. The Catalan giants have only progressed beyond the quarter-finals once since winning the tournament in 2015.
Historical head-to-head favors Barcelona, who won both previous meetings against Monaco without conceding in the 1993-94 season. However, Barcelona’s recent record in France is mixed, with only two wins in their last nine visits.
Robert Lewandowski will be a key player to watch for Barcelona. The Polish striker has scored 94 Champions League goals in his career and will be aiming to become just the third player to reach the century mark in the competition.
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter between two in-form sides looking to make a strong start to their Champions League campaigns.
