Monaco vs Barcelona Prediction 19 Sep 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 19 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stade Louis II (Monaco)

Monaco’s return to the UEFA Champions League after finishing second in Ligue 1 last season under Adi Hütter sets up an exciting first test against Barcelona. Monaco enters the game unbeaten in their domestic campaign (W3, D1), most recently securing a 3-0 win over Auxerre. However, despite their solid form, they face a tough challenge, particularly given their poor UCL home record, losing seven consecutive home matches in the competition. History is not on their side, but their strong record against Spanish teams at home (W7, D1 in their last nine games) may give them hope for a positive result.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have been in blistering form, winning all five of their La Liga matches this season while netting 17 goals. Although they will miss key player Dani Olmo, sidelined with a hamstring injury, they will look to continue their impressive European form. Historically, Barça have struggled on French soil, managing just two wins in their last nine visits (D5, L2), but their attacking firepower could be decisive in this matchup. With Robert Lewandowski leading the charge, goals are likely to come thick and fast in this encounter.

Where to watch Monaco vs Barcelona?

📺 Link to watch Monaco vs Barcelona Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch: Monaco’s captain Denis Zakaria has been in stellar form, contributing to three goals in his last two matches, with two late strikes. For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski, the third-highest scorer in UCL history, will be one to watch as he aims to add to his tally, especially after scoring eight goals for Barça in the competition.

⚡️Match Facts: Barcelona’s recent UCL openers have been high-scoring, with the team netting exactly five goals in each of their last three opening wins. Additionally, both teams have scored in 17 of Barcelona’s last 24 UCL matches against French opposition.

💡 Monaco vs Barcelona Prediction

Monaco’s defensive frailties at home in Europe, coupled with Barcelona’s attacking strength, suggest a high-scoring affair is on the cards. Expect Barcelona to take advantage of Monaco’s shaky UCL form and claim a victory, though Monaco may find the net as well.

Monaco vs Barcelona Betting Tips

• Both teams to score
• Over 2.5 goals
• Barcelona to win