Nigerian sensation George Ilenikhena made history for himself on Thursday night after inspiring Monaco to claim a thrilling 2-1 win over Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League opener.
The 18-year-old forward delivered a late winner, making him Monaco’s youngest-ever scorer in the prestigious competition, footballrover reports.
Introduced in the 59th minute, Ilenikhena wasted no time making an impact.
Just 12 minutes later, he seized a defensive blunder by Barcelona to power home Monacoβs decisive second goal.
The crowd at Stade Louis II erupted as the teenage star confidently netted his first Champions League goal in only his debut appearance.
And George Ilenikhena sealed our win π¦
What a night… β π pic.twitter.com/m2hXYmiWPw
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) September 19, 2024
Monaco took the lead early on when Maghnes Akliouche found the back of the net in the 16th minute.
However, Barcelona, reduced to 10 men after Eric Garcia’s red card in the 10th minute, clawed back with a 28th-minute equaliser from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the 13th teenager to score for the Spanish giants in UCL history.
But the night belonged to Ilenikhena.
His match-winning strike sealed Monacoβs eighth victory in their last 10 home games against Spanish opposition.
It was a landmark moment not just for the young forward but for the club as they continue to assert their strength in Europe.
With a cool finish and the poise of a seasoned pro, George Ilenikhena showed heβs a rising star ready to shine on the biggest stage.
ππππ π πππππππ! β€οΈπ€
There's no better way to start the @ChampionsLeague than with a win.
Oh boy, it feels so good. π
πππππ π π¨π‘πππ¨
2β£-1β£ #ASMFCB pic.twitter.com/YOV0S9kg54
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) September 19, 2024
This historic goal will not only boost Monacoβs campaign but could be the spark that propels the young striker toward stardom in Europe this season.
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