Monaco vs. Barcelona: Champions League Live Match Preview, livescore, predictions, predicted lineup, betting tips, odds and live stream

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Monaco and Barcelona, both unbeaten this season, meet in the Champions League at the Stade Louis II on Thursday. Both teams finished as runners-up in their respective leagues last season and are aiming to build on their promising starts to the new campaign.

Monaco, led by Adi Hutter, have started the season strongly, extending their unbeaten run to four games with a 3-0 victory over Auxerre last weekend. The win allowed Hutter to rotate his squad and make key substitutions with the match effectively won after 60 minutes.

Facing Barcelona will be a significant step up for Monaco, as they look to continue their good form in a highly challenging Champions League group that also includes Benfica, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. Monaco’s record against Spanish teams is impressive, having won seven of their last nine matches against them, but they have lost their last seven home games in this competition — a worrying trend they will hope to reverse.

This is Monaco’s first appearance in the Champions League since 2018, and despite their recent home struggles, they have a storied history in the competition, including reaching the final in 2004. Their only prior meetings with Barcelona came in 1993, with the Catalans winning both matches.

Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, are aiming to restore their European dominance after recent struggles in the Champions League. Despite their pedigree, they have failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals in all but one of the last nine seasons, with two group-stage exits in 2021 and 2022.

However, the Blaugrana have started the 2024-25 season in blistering form, winning all five of their La Liga matches and scoring 17 goals. The rise of youngster Lamine Yamal has been a key factor, with the teenager netting two goals in a 4-1 win over Girona in their last match.

Despite some key injuries, including Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona remain a potent force, particularly with Robert Lewandowski up front. The Polish striker has scored eight Champions League goals since joining Barcelona and will aim to move closer to the 100-goal mark in this competition. 

Key Players

- Breel Embolo: The Swiss striker’s physicality and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in leading Monaco’s attack.

- Denis Zakaria: A midfield powerhouse, Zakaria’s defensive and playmaking skills make him vital in controlling the game for Monaco.

- Robert Lewandowski: One of Europe’s most prolific scorers, Lewandowski will lead Barcelona’s attack and look to add to his impressive Champions League tally.

- Lamine Yamal: The 17-year-old winger has been in sensational form, and his creativity and pace will be key in unlocking Monaco’s defense. 

Team News 

Monaco  

Monaco’s Lamine Camara has been cleared to play after suffering a neck injury against Auxerre. However, Edan Diop and backup goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki are out until next month. With a deep squad, Adi Hutter may make some changes for this fixture.

Barcelona  

Barcelona are missing a host of key players, including Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen, while Ronald Araujo is suspended. These absences mean Hansi Flick will need to rely on some younger talent and squad depth. 

 Possible Lineups 

Adi Hutter , the Monaco manager , will likely go with the 4-2-3-1 formation with Kohn in goal. A defensive backline of  Vanderson, Kehrer, Mawissa Elebi,  and Caio Henrique.Camara and Zakaria in the holding midfield with  Akliouche, Minamino,  and Ben Seghir in the attacking midfield. Embolo will be upfront in attack as the main striker. 

Hansi Flick , the Barcelona  manager , will likely go with the 4-2-3-1 formation with   

Ter Stegen in goal. A defensive backline of  Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Balde. Eric Garcia and Pedri in the holding midfield with  Casado; Lamine Yamal,  and Raphinha in the  attacking midfield.Lewandowski will be upfront as the main striker.  

 Prediction 

Despite Monaco’s strong form, Barcelona’s unbeaten run and attacking firepower make them favorites for this encounter. Lewandowski and Yamal’s impressive partnership, combined with Barca’s fast start to the season, suggest a comfortable win for the visitors.