With the 2025/26 UEFA Youth League looming, Monaco’s Groupe Elite treated spectators to a display of grit and promise at Versailles. It turned out to be more than just a friendly, definitely a really tough test.
A Rocky Start: Versailles Strike First
This week in September 2025, FC Versailles, unbeaten in National play, opened the scoring. Despite playing without several key players (some called up to national duty, others resting), Monaco’s young side tried to hold firm from the first whistle.
But it was Versailles who drew first blood after absorbing pressure: a rapid attack sliced through Monaco’s lines, and Shelton Guillaume, finding space in the box, beat Loïc Tiamuna Lubaki to give Versailles the lead.
“So Close” Moments
Monaco were far from shaken. Their counter-measures were lively, and their attacking intent visible. Just before the half-hour, Ilane Touré nearly levelled matters: a stunning direct corner curled in that kissed the right post, a hair’s breadth from being an equaliser.
Versailles nearly doubled just before the break too, but Lubaki was equal to the task, producing a clutch double save to keep Monaco within reach. Alas, on the stroke of halftime, a Versailles corner, that classic set piece danger, produced a headed goal by Djamal Moussadek, pushing the score to 2-0.
Fighting Monaco’s Response
Going in two goals down at halftime might daunt many, but this youth side showed character. With Versailles rotating heavily (eleven changes for the second half), Monaco sensed opportunity.
The midfield and forward lines grew more adventurous; chances came. One big one fell to Romaric Etonde in the 55th minute, but Versailles’ defense scrambled just in time to deny him.
Then, in the final twenty minutes, came the moment that lit up the match: the introduction of Chaihane Badoro at 65’, who carried the fight back into Versailles’ backyard. In the 85th minute he delivered, receiving the ball near the edge of the box, dancing past his marker with a clever feint, then curling a left-footed shot into the net across the keeper. A goal of quality, and a lifeline.
Final Blow
Just when Monaco’s hopes of salvaging a draw burned brightest, Versailles found a third just before full-time. Karim Tlili’s goal sealed the 3-1 on the scoreboard. But to judge the match merely by result would be to miss the substance, Monaco’s youth showed grit.
Youth League Looms
What does this tell us, ahead of the Youth League kickoff on 18 September 2025, when Monaco U19 travel to face Club Brugge?
The gaps were experience, composure in critical moments, especially defending set pieces and holding on under stress.
The positives are fight, tactical flexibility (to press, absorb, then counter), the ability of the young blood like Touré and Badoro to spark chances.
And the Monaco squad has mental strength, not folding when down; creating chances; scoring beautiful goals.
True, 1-3 is a loss. But for Monaco’s youth, this Versailles clash was more a bridge than a barrier. The lessons learned against pace, physicality, pressure, this might well be the edge they need against the Youth League’s best. If they channel the passion and polish the weak spots, they’ll be ready for 18 September, against Brugge.
