Barcelona endured a disappointing end to their pre-season campaign, falling 3-0 to Monaco in their final friendly match.
The defeat comes as a setback for new manager Hansi Flick, who will be looking for his side to bounce back when La Liga kicks off on August 15.
The match, played on August 12, 2024, at the Stade Louis II, was an opportunity for Flick to fine-tune his team’s strategy and build momentum ahead of their league opener against Valencia on August 17.
Barcelona started the match on a promising note, with their new signings and returning players showcasing their skills. However, as the game progressed, the team’s intensity waned, and Monaco capitalized on their lapses.
Lyon scored twice in quick succession to leave Barcelona chasing the game. Lamine Camara opened the scoring in the 50th minute, followed by Breel Embolo’s goal in the 57th. Christian Mawissa Elebi sealed the victory for Lyon with a third goal in the 86th minute.
This loss raises concerns about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming season, particularly in defense and midfield. Flick will need to address these issues promptly to ensure a strong start to the season. The team’s performance against Monaco serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for improvement and cohesion among the players.
With the La Liga season set to commence soon, Barcelona will need to regroup and refocus their efforts to achieve success under their new coach. The defeat against Monaco may prove to be a valuable learning experience for the team, but only time will tell if they can translate their potential into results.