Folarin Balogun enjoyed a winning start to life in the UEFA Champions League.
Balogun came off the bench on Thursday, playing 20 minutes in AS Monaco’s upset home win over Barcelona. Eric Garcia’s red card in the 10th minute put the La Liga visitors in a major hole at the Stade Louis II and AS Monaco made them pay by claiming three points.
Maghnes Akliouche propelled the hosts in front after 16 minutes but Barcelona starlet Yamine Lamal tied the match 12 minutes later to make it 1-1 at halftime.
AS Monaco’s continued offensive pressure in the second half led to substitute George Ilenikhena delivering the winning goal. Balogun was on the field for only one minute before Ilenikhena struck for an eventual 2-1 winner.
The U.S. men’s national team forward has mainly served as a bench option this season, starting just two of AS Monaco’s four matches to date. However, positive performances off the bench could lead to extended minutes as the campaign pushes forward.
AS Monaco closes its September schedule with back-to-back Ligue 1 matches against Le Havre and Montpellier.