In tricky conditions on a difficult pitch, the Rouge et Blanc put in a professional performance to win the first leg of this Conference League play-off against Górnik Zabrze.
First leg secured. Despite an extremely difficult pitch and an opponent further along in their physical preparation, the AS Monaco players showed great professionalism to win away at Górnik Zabrze in the first leg of their Conference League play-off (2-3). They will now need to finish the job in the return leg to secure qualification.
The Context
After a month and a half of pre-season, the AS Monaco players officially kicked off their campaign with the first leg of the Conference League play-off against Górnik Zabrze. Determined to take the advantage ahead of the return leg a week later, the Rouge et Blanc could rely on a favorable historical record, having never lost to a Polish club in their history.
The Starting XI
For his first official starting XI, Filipe Luís stuck with the 4-4-2 formation predominantly seen in pre-season, featuring a strike partnership of Mika Biereth and Paris Brunner. Stanis Idumbo and Mathys Detourbet operated on the wings, while Sadibou Sané also made his AS Monaco debut at centre-back alongside Eric Dier.
The Action
The first leg kicked off in a great atmosphere inside a packed stadium. It was an environment the Rouge et Blanc quickly adapted to, as following a counter-attack, Mathys Detourbet perfectly set up Mika Biereth, who opened the scoring with a first-time finish to get off the mark for the season (0-1, 9′). Notably, this was also the first assist for the young winger, who arrived this summer.
Chances Created Despite A Difficult Pitch
On a tricky surface, it then proved difficult to inject pace and execute technical moves, as seen when Paris Brunner saw his shot sail over the bar after an awkward bounce (30′). For their part, the Polish side resorted to long-range efforts from Josema and Maksym Khlan, which were comfortably saved by Lukáš Hrádecký (34′, 40′), while Peter Federico’s curling strike went over (44′). The Rouge et Blanc looked dangerous from corners, but Eric Dier’s header was blocked in front of the goal line just before the break (45+1′).
Three Goals In Just Seven Minutes
Immediately after the restart, the Monegasques dominated possession, and following a long spell of keep-ball, Lamine Camara unleashed an absolute rocket into the back of the net (0-2, 51′)! There was barely time to celebrate this screamer, however, before Erik Prekop reduced the deficit from near the penalty spot (1-2, 53′). The game then turned frantic as Paris Brunner headed home a pinpoint cross from Stanis Idumbo to restore a two-goal cushion (1-3, 58′), confirming his excellent pre-season form which yielded five goals.
Pushing To Extend The Lead Once More
Filipe Luís’ men tried to hold onto their advantage but were unfortunately caught out by a slightly deflected strike from Sondre Liseth (2-3, 74′). Shortly after, Flávio Nazinho made his official debut for the Rouge et Blanc (81′). But it was Anis Soubeir, who had also come on earlier, who sent a shiver through the stadium with a magnificent free-kick parried away by Schulze (86′), before Eric Dier hit the post with a header from the resulting corner (86′).
Now To Seal Qualification At The Stade Louis-II
They were close to restoring their two-goal cushion, and came close again when a strike from the young German forward flashed just wide of the target (92′). Regardless, AS Monaco got the job done in a challenging environment in Poland and have taken the advantage in this Conference League play-off. They will now need to secure qualification at the Stade Louis-II next Thursday (6:45 PM). But before then, it’s time for the start of the league campaign with a trip to Le Havre on Sunday (5:15 PM). DAGHE MUNEGU!!!
Source: www.asmonaco.com
