George Ilenikhena
Nigeria’s Ilenikhena sinks Barcelona with late goal for Monaco
Nigeria’s George Ilenikhena played the hero as AS Monaco secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over a 10-man Barcelona in a pulsating Champions League encounter on Thursday in France.
The Nigerian striker’s second-half goal proved to be the difference in a match filled with drama, as Barcelona struggled after an early red card to Eric Garcia.
The match took a dramatic turn just 11 minutes in when Barcelona’s Eric Garcia was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge, reducing the Spanish side to 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Monaco wasted no time capitalising on the numerical advantage, with Maghnes Akliouche opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Akliouche brilliantly maneuvered through Barcelona’s defense before firing a superb shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen helpless.
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Despite the setback, Barcelona fought back. Lamine Yamal, the young sensation, pulled Barcelona level with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 28th minute. His shot nestled perfectly in the bottom right corner, leaving Monaco stunned as the Catalans showed they still had plenty of fight despite being a man down.
Monaco continued to press, and Wilfried Singo thought he had restored the lead in the 35th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The French side kept the pressure on after the break, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen was called into action several times, notably denying efforts from Vanderson and Folarin Balogun.
The game was finally decided in the 71st minute when George Ilenikhena pounced on a turnover to launch a rapid counter-attack. The Nigerian forward coolly slotted the ball past Ter Stegen from close range, sending the home crowd into a frenzy as Monaco took a 2-1 lead.
Barcelona attempted to claw their way back, but Monaco’s defence held firm, and despite a valiant effort from the visitors, they couldn’t find an equalizer.
Ilenikhena’s match-winning goal handed Monaco a vital victory, keeping their Champions League hopes alive and highlighting the Nigerian’s growing reputation as a clutch performer on the big stage.
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