Barcelona fans turned on their own player after feeling as though he cost them their first Champions League game of the season.
Barcelona faced Monaco at the Stade Louis II for their opening match but suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat.
Hansi Flick’s team played with 10 men for 80 minutes after Eric Garcia, a former Manchester City defender, was sent off. Garcia, who spent last season on loan at Girona, received a red card from referee Allard Lindhout for a foul on ex-Liverpool player Takumi Minamino, following a poor pass from goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
Monaco took the lead through Maghnes Akliouche shortly after, but Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal equalized soon after.
George Ilenikhena scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute, putting Barcelona’s first defeat of the season on the books with a 2-1 loss to Monaco.
After the match, Barcelona fans were furious with goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen, believing he was largely responsible for the defeat. Ter Stegen’s poor pass led to Eric Garcia’s red card, and many felt he should have done better to save Ilenikhena’s goal, which was aimed directly at him.
Comments from fans reflected their frustration, with one stating it was one of the worst performances ever for a goalkeeper in the Champions League. Another remarked that any other top goalkeeper would have been criticized for allowing that shot to score. Many fans suggested that a midfielder could perform better in goal, highlighting their disappointment with Ter Stegen’s showing in the crucial match.
Barcelona, who have been perfect in La Liga and are currently atop the table, will return to action on Sunday with an away match against Villarreal. Holding a four-point lead, they aim for their sixth consecutive league victory.
