Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, acknowledged the significant impact of Eric Garcia’s early red card on his team’s performance in their 2-1 loss to Monaco in the Champions League on Thursday.

Monaco, making their return to the Champions League after five years, secured a surprising victory at home over Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona, taking the lead through Maghnes Akilouche after Garcia was sent off.

After Lamine Yamal’s equalizer for Barcelona, Monaco emerged triumphant with George Ilenikhena’s winning goal as the Champions League clash ended in a 2-1 victory in favour of the French side.

Flick conceded that Monaco deserved the win and emphasized the need for his team to regroup for their upcoming match on Sunday, September 22.

“The sending off [Garcia’s red card] changed the game completely”, coach Flick said.

“Monaco deserved the win. We have to look at what happened but we have to be proud even though we are disappointed. Now we have to focus on Sunday’s challenge.”

On Sunday, FC Barcelona, who are currently topping the Spanish La Liga table, will return to league football to take on Villarreal at 5:30 p.m.

Coach Hansi Flick and his boys will return to Champions League football on Tuesday, October 1, to take on Young Boys.