Michael Jordan watches Barcelona slump to dramatic loss, David Raya rescues Arsenal with double save
Basketball icon Michael Jordan watched on as Barcelona's perfect start to the season was ruined in a dramatic 2-1 Champions League loss to Monaco on Friday (AEST).
Jordan watched teenage superstar Lamine Yamal equalise for Barca in the 28th minute with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The goal meant Yamal became the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days - 28 days older than teammate Ansu Fati when he netted against Inter Milan in 2019.
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Michael Jordan in the stands at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Getty
It was a fine response from the Spanish giants after defender Eric Garcia was sent off after just 11 minutes.
Garcia pulled back Takumi Minamino when the Japan forward intercepted a panicky pass out from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barca won its first five league games in the Spanish league under new coach Hansi Flick but saw Monaco take the lead in the 16th minute through midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.
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Eric Garcia of Barcelona is shown a red card and sent off. Getty
George Ilenikhena showed equally good composure to then score Monaco's winner in the 71st minute.
The 18-year-old forward latched onto a pass over the top and confidently beat Ter Stegen with Prince Albert of Monaco among the celebrating fans.
"After 10 minutes with the red card the game changed totally, but what I can see is really the positive thing," Flick told reporters.
"We tried to defend as a team and also attack as a team, and we had chances, but today they deserve the 2-1, so we have to accept that."
Meanwhile, David Raya came to Arsenal's rescue with a double save from a penalty that was celebrated by his teammates as wildly as a goal being scored.
It preserved a 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the opening round of matches in the revamped tournament, and provided a further demonstration of the shot-stopping qualities of a goalkeeper more renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet.
The Spain international dived to his right to block the 51st minute spot kick taken by Mateo Retegui, after Thomas Partey tripped Ederson.
Raya quickly got to his feet, scrambled across his line and then used his left arm to claw away a header from Retegui off the goal line after the ball had rebounded out to the Italy striker.
“I was lucky to go the right way and save it,” Raya said.
David Raya of Arsenal celebrates with William Saliba. Getty
“I was unlucky to put the rebound straight to him but I was quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team at least get a point.”
Raya gave a big roar and was mobbed by Arsenal's players in the goalmouth.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said Raya has “gone to the next level.”
“There was massive pressure on him," Rice said.
“He was our No.1 last season and obviously now he is fully No.1 - there are no questions about that anymore. He's really focused and that's three games this season he has made crucial saves for us.”
The goalkeeper performed a similar scrambling save on the goal line in the Premier League this season at Aston Villa to deny Ollie Watkins, before Arsenal went on to score twice in the second half for a 2-0 win.
There were no late goals this time for Mikel Arteta's team, whose creativity and attacking spark has been hit by an ankle injury sustained by captain Martin Odegaard while playing for Norway during the recent international break.
Odegaard has “significant” ankle ligament damage that will keep him out of action for “a while,” Arteta said.
Friday's (AEST) Champions League results
Benfica 2 (Akturkoglu 9, Kokcu 29) def. Red Star Belgrade 1 (Milson 86)
Bayer Leverkusen 4 (Wirtz 5, 36, Grimaldo 30, Wellenreuther 44-og) def. Feyenoord 0
Atalanta 0 drew with Arsenal 0
Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 28, Gimenez 90) def. RB Leipzig 1 (Sesko 4)
Monaco 2 (Akliouche 16, Ilenikhena 71) def. Barcelona 1 (Yamal 28)
Brest 2 (Magnetti 23, Sima 56) def. Sturm Graz 1 (Fernandes (45+1-og)
