Champions League: Arsenal Avoid Defeat While Barcelona Fall to Monaco
Decisive moment came in the 51st minute when Atalanta were awarded a penalty
Samrat Timalsina
Kathmandu | In the UEFA Champions League, English club Arsenal narrowly escaped a potential loss against Atalanta, securing a point thanks to goalkeeper David Raya's crucial penalty save.
The match ended in a goalless draw, but the decisive moment came in the 51st minute when Atalanta were awarded a penalty. Mateo Retegui stepped up to take the shot, only for Arsenal’s David Raya to make a brilliant double save, keeping the score level.
Meanwhile, in another game, La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco. Barcelona's situation worsened early in the match when Eric Garcia received a red card in the 10th minute for a foul on Takumi Minamino, leaving them with just 10 players.
Monaco capitalised quickly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Maghnes Akliouche, who finished from a pass by Vanderson. Despite being a man down, Barcelona equalised in the 28th minute through young star Lamine Yamal.
However, the decisive blow came in the second half, when Nigerian striker George Elenikena, making his Champions League debut, scored in the 71st minute from another Vanderson pass. This goal sealed Barcelona's unexpected loss.
Monaco's strong performance and Elenikena's debut goal handed Barcelona a tough defeat, leaving them reeling in the group stage.
