Confirmed lineups for Monaco v Barcelona clash in Champions League

Approaching a decade since Barcelona last won the Champions League, the Catalan giants face Monaco in this season's European opener on Thursday aiming to make a statement.

The club are desperate to battle their way back into the European elite after years in the wilderness and after a strong start under new coach Hansi Flick, their hopes are rising.

Flick's Barcelona have five wins from five in La Liga and have Spain's teenage Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal playing a decisive role in their attack.

Hosts Monaco were Barca's guests for their pre-season curtain raiser and scored a shock 3-0 victory in Catalonia. That is long forgotten now with the Catalans raising their game several levels in the weeks since and showing the sort of swagger that helped them win La Liga in 2023.

Monaco starting XI: Kohn (GK); Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Singo; Zakaria, Minamino, Camara; Akliouche, Embolo and Ben Seghir.

Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen (GK); Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri, Casado; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski and Raphinha.

 

September 19, 2024