FC Barcelona’s record run of twelve victorious editions of the Joan Gamper Trophy was ended on Monday night by an AS Monaco side that scored three times in the second half.
Following all the excitement and optimism in the build-up, the festival atmosphere at the Estadi Olimpic was much more muted by the end of it, but the visitors took the chances that the Catalans did not, and were ultimately worthy winners of the historic trophy at the very first attempt.
Missed chances
Hansi Flick had opted to start his first ever home game in charge of the side with an XI consisting of new captain Ter Stegen in goal, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Iñigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde in defence, a midfield consisting of Marc Bernal, Marc Casadó and Pablo Torre, and a frontline of Raphinha, new signing Pau Víctor and Robert Lewandowski.
On a sweltering hot evening in the Catalan capital, the first half was a rather tepid affair, but all three forwards could have got on the scoresheet. Pau Victor skied a great chance in the very first minute, Lewandowski also came close, and Raphinha did find the net but was flagged up for offside.
The fact is that Monaco were clearly taking things very seriously indeed, frequently reminding us why they finished second in the French championship last season and enjoying plenty of possession but turning into little or nothing of it into clear-cut chances. But all that would change after the break.
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