A combative AS Monaco dominate Galatasaray to move closer to the playoffs | OneFootball

Showing unity from start to finish against a very enterprising Turkish side, the Rouge et Blanc secured an important victory at the Stade Louis-II in a nail-biting finish (1-0). This result keeps their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.

A crucial win to reach the play-offs. Very focused against a Galatasaray team ranked 14th before kick-off, AS Monaco’s players secured an important victory at the Stade Louis-II, as part of the Champions League Matchday 6. It was a result was achieved in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and President Dmitry Rybolovlev. ✍️

The context 📅

The Rouge et Blanc approached this duel against the Istanbul club with ambition, aiming to reach the Champions League playoffs for the second consecutive season. It wouldn’t be easy against a team already boasting nine points in this competition, even if they were missing several key players, including a certain Wilfried Singo. From a historic perspective, the Club have won 50% of the six matches (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses).

The XI 👥

To successfully carry out this operation, coach Sébastien Pocognoli decided to play the same eleven as he did at Pafos two weeks ago (2-2 draw), with the exception of Thilo Kehrer, who was back in the eleven. The 4-2-3-1 was therefore deployed again, in the face of an identical system of the Turks who saw the return of former Monégasque Ismail Jakobs.

The scenario 🎞

The match kicked off in an electric atmosphere, spurring both teams to attack, but Balogun (2′) and Osimhen (4′) were both flagged offside. Gündogan finally created the first real chance, finishing off a pass from Jakobs, but he completely missed the target (13′). Then, the Nigerian, again, had a header but his effort was too high (16′).

From end to end

The Turks applied heavy pressure and Yilmaz won a high ball before shooting, fortunately wide (19′). Monaco’s response came from… Maghnes Akliouche, who shot from the edge of the box, but Çakir intervened (20′). Before that Denis Zakaria had a header a few centimeters wide of the post (24′). The Rouge et Blanc thus regained the upper hand and the French international once again forced the opposing goalkeeper to shine with a curling shot (30′).

A first turning point

However, Lukáš Hradecký had to be very focused on dealing with Leroy Sané’s run (34′), Osimhen’s through ball (36′), and then Sara’s attempt (37′). The half ended with the score level. The start of the second half was just as eventful, when Takumi Minamino’s volley was saved (48′), but the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a VAR review.

Plenty of chances but a missing finishing touch

Unfortunately, Denis Zakaria’s shot was deflected by Galatasaray’s last line of defense, who was imperious in goal (50′). Sébastien Pocognoli’s men did not let up, however, and Folarin Balogun was two inches away from opening the scoring with a fine ball from Taki’ (59′)! The American was then involved again in a one-on-one situation but missed with a powerful shot (62′).

Balogun’s opportunism (finally) rewarded!

It was only a matter of time, as he finally found the back of the net from close range after a Camara corner was nodded on by Kehrer (1-0)! A third goal in as many Champions League matches for Balogun, who celebrated with his teammates. The Rouge et Blanc now wanted to hold onto this lead at all costs, despite attempts from Sallai (73′) and Sara (79′).

A precious win after a grueling match

But it’s Lamine Camara who finally came close to breaking the deadlock, thanks to a perfect pass from Caio Henrique (80′). The Turkish side, physically exhausted, struggled to create any further danger. The seven minutes of added time made no difference, and AS Monaco ultimately secured the three points after a hard-fought battle in this sixth matchday of the Champions League (1-0). DAGHE MUNEGU!!! 🇲🇨

Key moments 🎥

13′: Jakobs’ cross is met by Gündogan, but his shot is off target. 16′: Osimhen’s header from a Gündogan cross is off target. 19′: Yilmaz wins the ball high up the pitch but shoots wide. 20′: Akliouche’s powerful shot from the edge of the box is saved by Çakir. 21′: Balogun’s header from a Salisu corner is off target. 24′: Minamino crosses for Zakaria, whose header goes wide. 30′: Akliouche’s curling shot is saved by Çakir. 34′: Sané’s run is thwarted by Hradecký. 36′: Osimhen’s shot from a wide position is deflected for a corner. 37′: Sara’s shot is harmless. 48′: Minamino’s volley is saved by Çakir. 50′: Zakaria’s penalty is saved by… Çakir 53′: A powerful shot from Zakaria goes wide 59′: Minamino lays the ball off to Balogun, whose shot goes wide 62′: Balogun tries a powerful shot but fires over the bar 68′: Camara’s corner is headed on by Kehrer for Balogun, who finishes from close range (1-0) 73′: A powerful shot from Sallai goes high 79′: A quick shot from Sara hits the side netting 80′: C. Henrique lays the ball off to Camara, but his shot goes high

The stat 📊

AS Monaco now has four wins in seven matches against Galatasaray in the Champions League (1 draw, 2 losses), making them the opponent that the Monegasques have beaten most often in their history in this competition.

🗓️ Match details:

Tuesday December 9 2025 (21:00) – Stade Louis-II

🇪🇺 Champions League – Matchday 6: AS Monaco 1-0 Galatasaray

Halftime: 0-0

Goals: Balogun (68′) for AS Monaco

Bookings: Biereth (96′) for AS Monaco; Sanchez (50′), Yilmaz (88′) for Galatasaray

AS Monaco: Hradecký – Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, C.Henrique – Camara, Zakaria © – Akliouche, Minamino (Teze, 75′), Golovin (Ouattara, 82′) – Balogun (Biereth, 86′)