George Ilenikhena put his name in the AS Monaco history books as he scored the winner in a 2-1 win over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
The Catalan giants were handed an early bath when centre-back Eric Garcia was given a straight red card in the 11th minute for a dangerous challenge.
This allowed Monaco to take the lead five minutes later which came courtesy of Maghnes Akliouche who is Algerian heritage.
Barcelona however responded back in the 28th minute through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal who scored his fourth goal in just his sixth appearance of the season with a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area.
The scoreline remained 1-1 until the 71st minute when substitute and Lagos-born Ilenikhena brilliantly finished off from a one-on-one counter attack situation.
The French youth international’s effort saw him become Monaco’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League at 18 years and 34 days, beating Kylian Mbappe’s record set at 18 years and 63 days in 2017.
18 – George Ilenikhena (18 years and 34 days) is the youngest @ChampionsLeague goal scorer ever for @AS_Monaco, breaking the previous record set by Kylian Mbappé in 2017 (18 years and 63 days). Prince. pic.twitter.com/ORhRn5a13n
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 19, 2024
The goal by Ilenikhena was also his first for the Principality outfit having joined from Belgian side Royal Antwerp in the summer.
It also marked the second time he scored against Barcelona having netted a 92nd minute winner against them in a 3-2 group stage win for Antwerp last season.
