In a dazzling display of football brilliance, AS Monaco lit up the pitch with a stunning 3-0 win over FC Barcelona, capturing the prestigious 59th Joan Gamper Trophy. The match, held at the iconic Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys de Montjuïc, saw Monaco rise to the occasion after a challenging first half, securing a victory that perfectly blends athletic prowess with style, under the watchful eyes of President Dmitry Rybolovlev and Barça's Joan Laporta.
Zakaria Leads with Flair, Ben Seghir Returns to the Spotlight
Monaco’s lineup, a chic 4-4-2 formation, featured the return of Eliesse Ben Seghir, fresh from his bronze medal triumph, adding a touch of youthful energy to the left wing. Barcelona made their intentions clear from the start, with Pablo Torre narrowly missing an early chance set up by the dynamic Alejandro Balde (1′). Iñigo Martínez then threatened with a well-timed corner (12′), while Monaco’s captain for the day, Denis Zakaria, responded with a bold long-range effort that just missed the mark (24′).
Battle in the First Half
The first half saw both teams engaging in a stylish exchange of attacks. Alejandro Balde continued to be a force for Barça (35′), but it was Monaco’s Breel Embolo who came closest to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied by Ter Stegen in a tense one-on-one (36′). The excitement continued with Raphinha’s disallowed goal for offside (37′) and a promising setup from Ben Seghir to Folarin Balogun (41′), leaving fans eager for what was to come.
Monaco Takes Control in the Second Half
Returning with renewed determination, Monaco seized the moment. A misjudged Barcelona goal kick gifted Lamine Camara the opportunity to score his debut goal, a moment of sheer class that gave Monaco the lead (0-1, 50′). Moments later, Takumi Minamino’s elegant assist allowed Embolo to double the advantage with a perfectly placed shot (0-2, 57′), showcasing Monaco’s flair and precision.
Mawissa’s Debut
As Barça tried to regroup, Monaco’s defense held strong, with Lamine Yamal’s efforts unable to crack their resolve. The final touch of brilliance came from Christian Mawissa, who in his debut match, scored a third goal following a clever deflection from Caio Henrique’s cross (0-3), sealing the win in style.
The match ended with Monaco reveling in their stylish victory, as Denis Zakaria proudly hoisted the Joan Gamper Trophy, presented by President Dmitry Rybolovlev. This win not only adds a coveted trophy to Monaco’s collection but also sets the tone for a season where style and substance will go hand in hand.