Barcelona stumble in the principality; Raya saves Arsenal in the Champions League
Barcelona's struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero as the Gunners beat Ludogorets 3-2 in Bulgaria.
Barcelona, who have now won just one of their last five games in all competitions, were fortunate to escape with a point from the Stade Louis II.
The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi curled a free-kick into the top corner, but Monaco leveled just five minutes later through Radamel Falcao. The Colombian striker pounced on a loose ball in the Barcelona penalty area and fired home a low shot.
Barcelona had chances to win the game in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic. The draw leaves Barcelona second in Group A, two points behind Manchester City, who beat Club Brugge 4-1 in the other game in the group.
In Bulgaria, Arsenal had to come from behind twice to beat Ludogorets. The home side took the lead in the 12th minute through Jakub Swierczok, but Arsenal equalized just four minutes later through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Ludogorets regained the lead in the 58th minute through Claudiu Keseru, but Arsenal hit back again through Bukayo Saka in the 67th minute. The winning goal came in the 82nd minute, when Nicolas Pepe converted a penalty after Aubameyang was fouled in the area.
The win moves Arsenal top of Group H, two points ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Standard Liege 2-1 in the other game in the group.
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