If it has not always been flamboyant during the group stage, AS Monaco deserved to finish top of their group. The win against Zenit (2-0) is proof. Our cheat sheet.
The game: A perfect second period almost
Monaco has not denied, it was not the time to experiment, but played on its strengths: a low block, compact and a big aggression. ASM Jardim is a team of warriors and Zenit has never been able to find the fault. In the first half, Monaco suffered the game, unable to bring out the balloons. Very excited, probably paralyzed by the challenge, ASM has failed to get its head above water.
After the break, facing the Russian shyness, Monaco took his chance. The block is up a notch and completely asphyxiated Zenit. Jardim’s men have maintained the strength and consistency of their group, adding a touch of audacity by Ferreira-Carrasco. The ASM was able to bend without breaking and Tuesday between Monaco and Zenit, there was ultimately no photo.
Fabinho, who scored for Monaco against Zenit – AFP
Actors: Ferreira-Carrasco changed everything
Fortunately, Monaco can count on Ferreira-Carrasco. The Belgian often has to fend for himself on the front of the attack but his speed even chaining opens the most locked spaces. His passing on a free kick and corner is a precious commodity, evidenced by his assist for Abdennour.
Toulalan held the house in the first period when Monaco hardly knew where to head and Moutinho was able to take the game to their account after the break. Abdennour has everything pushed back before to break and open the door wide for the 8th. Among the Russians, the Hulk has many tried but did not succeed much. Garay suffered against the liveliness of Ferreira-Carrasco and the doorman, Lodigne, showed febrile well. Apparently Witsel played 90 minutes, difficult to be completely affirmative as its influence on the game was close to nil.
The turning point that did not happen: if more Lombaert had crossed his whim …
41st minute: Zenit corner. Monaco suffered for several minutes but the Russians did not manage to create every opportunity. This time it is right. The ball landed on the head of Lombaerts to six meters. Central defender crosses his attempt that finally seems to fly. But Subasic, a horizontal beautiful, picks up the ball. Zenit missed their best chance. Finals of the 8th fly quietly.
The stat 4
As the number of goals scored by Monaco in six games! Only Villarreal (2005-06) and AS Roma (2002-2003) qualified for the 8th finals of the Champions League having scored fewer goals (3) that the DSO.
The tweet that made us smile:
The declara: Jardim relishes
“I recall that Monaco at least August was considered the worst team in the group. A revenge? No, I’m happy because we managed our goal. The group gave a frank response to criticism, especially the French, who were the first to say early in the season he did not have the level to qualify. “
The question: Monaco he deserves first place?
On the delivery of this Tuesday, yes. Of course, the DSO has had maximum success in his two matches against Leverkusen. Two wins on the same score (1-0) and two models of robbery. Forced to adapt to the departure of Falco and James Rodriguez this summer, Monaco did with the means at hand. The great merit of Jardim is to have imposed immense discipline to its eleven. Monaco finished the group stage with the best defense of the plate (one goal conceded) and this is no coincidence. Tuesday again, Toulalan activity, aggressiveness of the central hinge and no-fault Subasic allowed him to live a quiet evening.
Of course, Monaco is not the head of the scariest series during the draw for the 8th finals and there is a safe bet that Arsenal, Basel, Juventus and all other second intersect strong fingers to inherit Eleven of Monaco in February. And this is normal, Monaco has neither the firepower of the Real, or the European experience of Dortmund or the technical quality of Atlético.
But we already wish good luck to the one who will rub in Monaco. This team may lack engineering, daring, inspiration but Jardim knew, in the European Cup, making the most of its individuals. Monaco, it’s tough, and regardless of the opponent to be opposed to it, ASM will not have to blush. This first site offers the possibility to avoid those operating in another galaxy (Real, Chelsea, Bayern) and dream about a future beyond the 8th.
Subasic, happy after qualifying in Monaco for 8th finals – AFP
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