For their first league match at Regional level, Monaco United did not miss the occasion. At home, the Monegasque side secured an emphatic 9-1 victory over AS Cannes, following a controlled performance and a particularly impressive second half. A first win that provides the perfect start to the season.
It was a particularly eagerly anticipated occasion for Monaco United. After a highly successful 2025-2026 season and promotion to Regional level, the first team played their very first league match at this level on Sunday, hosting AS Cannes. It was an intriguing encounter that would immediately allow the Monegasque players to assess their ability to meet the objectives set for the season. For this first challenge, the objective was clear: quickly find their rhythm, impose their style of play and win their first home league match.
A renewed squad already fully integrated
For this first official match, Marco Simone and his assistant coach Alexandre Gallet chose to integrate several recruits who joined the team during the summer. Several new players were therefore included in the starting line-up for this first encounter, demonstrating the confidence placed in them by the coaching staff and the work carried out during the summer preparation.
This rapid integration is also a positive sign for the rest of the season. The new arrivals quickly found their bearings within an already well-established squad. “I am not surprised to see them fully integrate into our style of play on the pitch, because they are players we carefully selected to strengthen the squad. The understanding will come with time as we play more matches and train together,” explains Alexandre Gallet, Monaco United assistant coach.
A feeling also shared by Marie Achouri, a new Monaco United recruit who joined during the summer. “I was made to feel very welcome. We have a collective project, and I felt that determination from the very first training sessions. On the pitch, the automatisms will develop over time, but we are already well organised, as today’s result clearly shows.”
Monaco United gradually takes control
Against a well-organised Cannes side capable of causing problems on the counter-attack, Monaco United initially had to be patient. The opening minutes allowed the players to find their bearings, develop their understanding and gradually establish control of possession.
Chances nevertheless came quickly, including a shot that struck the post. Monaco United continued to push and were eventually rewarded for their efforts.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Sarah Magnier broke the deadlock and scored Monaco’s opening goal. With greater freedom and intensity during the final quarter of the first half, Monaco United’s players then increased the pressure, creating more attacking sequences and chances. The collective moves became increasingly fluid, while the solidarity and intensity shown by the group allowed them to gradually take control of the
match. At half-time, Monaco United had already established a comfortable advantage and headed into the dressing room 3-0 ahead.
A second half of the highest standard
While the first half had allowed Monaco United to take control, the second half would definitively settle the outcome of the match. The momentum then accelerated spectacularly. With the team remaining fully committed and demonstrating superior technical quality, Monaco United gradually overwhelmed their opponents, stringing together attacking moves and chances.
Despite AS Cannes pulling a goal back with a superb strike, the Monegasque side never truly looked in danger. They quickly regained control of the match before continuing their attacking display. The goals then followed one after another, rewarding a particularly effective collective performance and a summer preparation that already appears to be paying dividends. Also the club’s fitness coach, Alexandre Gallet, looks back on the preparation programme put in place. “The preparation was a little different this season, with a significant aerobic component carried out individually and based on remote monitoring. This allowed us to slightly reduce the workload during the return to training and to adjust it over the months of August and September. That did not prevent the girls from being ready for this first official match, but we are not yet at 100%.”
At the final whistle, the scoreboard showed a decisive result: Monaco United 9-1 AS Cannes. In their first Regional match, Monaco United therefore delivered a particularly convincing performance and secured their first three points of the season. “Very proud of the group! We have been working very well together since returning to training at the beginning of August for this new season. Both the performance and the result of this match confirm this serious and disciplined momentum,” says Alexandre Gallet.
The U18s also write the first chapter of their history
The U18 team also played the first official match in their history, making a particularly successful start to their Coupe de France campaign. In this opening round, Monaco United’s young players travelled to Mougins with the ambition of launching this new adventure in the best possible way. They delivered, securing a 0-2 away victory after a strong collective performance.
This qualification represents an important first step for this new generation, which is set to represent the future of the club. Despite a few adjustments still required, the U18s displayed many qualities and, above all, an enthusiasm worthy of the occasion.
The first round has therefore been successfully completed by Monaco United’s U18s, who continue their Coupe de France adventure.
A particularly promising weekend for the club, with more to come…
