Monaco 1–0 Galatasaray: Balogun’s goal keeps Les Monégasques in the play-off hunt | OneFootball

Monaco moved up to 18th in the Champions League league phase thanks to their 1–0 win over Galatasaray at the Stade Louis II.

The hosts dominated the second half and carved out chance after chance, but wasteful finishing – including a saved Zakaria penalty – kept the game level far longer than it should have.

Folarin Balogun finally made the breakthrough, converting after a series of near misses to give Monaco a crucial victory and strengthen their chances of progressing with two matches left.

As it happened

Both sides had an extra day of rest after their Friday league fixtures, but it was a cagey, slow start from both teams.

Despite that, the Turkish champions should have taken the lead with their first real chance of the game, as İlkay Gündoğan fired over the bar from just a few metres out.

Galatasaray continued to push for the opener, with Victor Osimhen heading over from another Gündoğan delivery.

Momentum began to tilt firmly in the visitors’ favour. Barış Yılmaz struck the post after beating Vanderson to a loose ball in the area, as Monaco struggled to relieve the pressure.

The hosts finally found their rhythm when Maghnes Akliouche tested Uğurcan Çakır from distance, forcing the goalkeeper to tip the effort behind. From the resulting corner, Balogun headed over from close range, wasting a promising opportunity.

The Monégasques continued to grow in the contest. Denis Zakaria nodded wide with another decent chance, and Akliouche remained Monaco’s liveliest outlet, drawing a second diving save from Çakır with a curling left-footed strike.

At the opposite end, Leroy Sané registered Galatasaray’s first effort on target, though Lucas Hrádecký gathered comfortably. Osimhen, who kept largely quiet in the first half, saw a deflected shot hit the side-netting before Gabriel Sara later forced Hrádecký into action.

Osimhen had another attempt drift wide as the travelling supporters grew louder before the break, but the sides went in level at half-time.

Monaco returned from the interval with far more energy. Takumi Minamino missed a golden chance, firing straight at Çakır from inside the six-yard box after a perfectly weighted cross from Vanderson.

Moments later, Minamino was brought down by Davinson Sánchez, and a swift VAR check awarded the hosts a penalty, but Zakaria’s effort down the middle was denied by Çakır’s trailing leg.

Eager to make amends, Zakaria drove a powerful long-range effort just past the post, while Osimhen responded at the other end by slicing another attempt wide. Minamino remained a constant threat, but his header failed to trouble the target.

The Japanese international then turned provider again, slipping Balogun through on goal. The American forward failed to open his body and sent the effort wide. Minutes later, he was presented with an even better opportunity after Minamino played him through once more, but Balogun fired over the bar in a one-on-one with Çakır.

Galatasaray suffered a setback soon after, as their goalkeeper – who had kept them in the match – was forced off injured, replaced by Günay Güvenç. Monaco took immediate advantage.

It was third time lucky for Balogun in the 68th minute. Following a corner, Tilo Kehrer rose highest to nod the ball into the danger area, and Balogun reacted sharply, guiding it into the net for his third goal in as many Champions League games.

Galatasaray pushed in search of an equaliser, with Sara hitting the side-netting from long range, but Monaco nearly doubled their advantage when Mohamed Camara fired over from the edge of the box.

Despite a late surge from the visitors, the hosts’ dominance after the break was clear. Monaco held firm to claim a vital three points ahead of daunting fixtures against Real Madrid and Juventus.

The Lineups: