Monaco’s new teenage sensation, George Ilenikhena, has emerged as a rising star after his decisive objective secured a 2-1 win over Barcelona of their UEFA Champions League opener.
The Nigerian striker made headlines by breaking a membership document beforehand held by none aside from French star Kylian Mbappe.
In an exciting match at Stade Louis II, Monaco opened the scoring within the sixteenth minute by Maghnes Akliouche, however Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, equalized shortly after within the twenty eighth minute. The sport turned when Barcelona’s Eric García was despatched off for a foul on Takumi Minamino, leaving the Spanish giants right down to 10 males.
With the match finely balanced at 1-1, Ilenikhena capitalized on a defensive error within the 71st minute, slotting dwelling the successful objective. His sharp instincts gave Monaco a well-known victory and marked Hansi Flick’s first defeat as Barcelona’s supervisor.
The objective additionally earned Ilenikhena a spot in Monaco’s historical past books, as he grew to become the youngest participant to attain for the membership within the Champions League at simply 18 years and 34 days outdated, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s document. Mbappe had set the earlier mark when he scored his first Champions League objective for Monaco at 18 years and 63 days in 2017 towards Manchester Metropolis.
Monaco shortly celebrated their younger expertise, with social media buzzing over Ilenikhena’s efficiency and his record-breaking achievement. Notably, this isn’t the primary time Ilenikhena has troubled Barcelona — the Nigerian striker additionally scored towards them final season whereas enjoying for Royal Antwerp, one other record-breaking second in his younger profession.