Spanish-Guinean forward Ansu Fati scores on Monaco debut

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati finally made his long-awaited debut for Monaco on Thursday night, marking the occasion with a goal in their 4-1 loss to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

The 22-year-old forward, who joined the Ligue 1 club in the summer, came off the bench with just over 25 minutes remaining and provided a late consolation.

Fati, who was born in Guinea-Bissau but represents Spain at international level, has endured a frustrating start to life in France, waiting several weeks for his first appearance under coach Adi Hütter.

Yet he seized the opportunity to show his quality, striking a low shot from inside the penalty area after a corner to open his Monaco account in Europe.

Despite his impact, it was a night to forget for the French side as they slumped to a heavy defeat in their opening Group Stage match.

Club Brugge were already three goals ahead at half-time, with Raphael Onyedika and Hans Vanaken on target, before Mamadou Diakhon added a fourth.

Fati will now be hoping his first goal for Monaco can serve as the springboard for a resurgence in his career.

He is spending the season on loan from Barcelona, with Monaco holding an option to make the deal permanent next summer.