Monaco hold firm to edge past Galatasaray | OneFootball

In a tightly contested UEFA Champions League fixture, Monaco edged past Galatasaray with a 1-0 victory at the Stade Louis-II. The match, which was part of the 6th fixture of the league phase, saw Monaco securing crucial points as they continue their campaign in the 2025/26 season.

Despite having less possession, Monaco were more clinical in front of goal. The home team had 19 shots with 5 on target, reflecting a more aggressive approach compared to Galatasaray?s 13 shots and just 2 on target. Monaco?s expected goals of 3.19 also highlighted their offensive effectiveness, overshadowing Galatasaray's 1.20.

The pivotal moment came in the 68th minute when Folarin Balogun found the back of the net. The goal originated from a corner kick, with Thilo Kehrer providing the crucial assist. Balogun?s right-footed shot from close range proved too much for the Galatasaray defence, marking his third goal in the competition.

Earlier in the match, Monaco could have taken the lead when Denis Zakaria stepped up for a penalty at the 50th minute mark. However, his attempt was unsuccessful, keeping the scoreline level until Balogun?s intervention. Despite Galatasaray's efforts to swing the possession in their favour, Monaco?s resilience and tactical execution ensured they held on to their slender lead till the final whistle.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

8':

Missed opportunity! Denis Zakaria from Monaco took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

13':

Opportunity wasted! Ilkay Gündogan of Galatasaray attempted a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed over the goal. The assist came from Ismail Jakobs, who delivered a cross.

19':

Opportunity wasted. Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area but sent it wide to the left.

21':

Opportunity wasted! Folarin Balogun of Monaco had a header from just a few meters out that went narrowly wide of the target. The assist came from Mohammed Salisu, who headed the ball after a corner kick.

50':

Denis Zakaria (Monaco) fails a penalty-kick!

53':

Opportunity wasted. Denis Zakaria from Monaco attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area but sent it wide to the left. Lamine Camara provided the assist.

57':

Missed opportunity! Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide. The chance was set up by Baris Alper Yilmaz during a quick counterattack.

62':

Opportunity wasted. Folarin Balogun from Monaco took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

62':

Opportunity wasted. Folarin Balogun from Monaco attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the box, coming very close to finding the net. The assist was provided by Takumi Minamino with a header.

Monaco takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Galatasaray. Folarin Balogun scores with a right-footed shot from close range following a corner kick.Monaco takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Galatasaray. Folarin Balogun scores with a right-footed shot from close range, finding the top center of the net following a corner kick.

68':

GOAL Monaco: Folarin Balogun (Monaco) scores!

Folarin Balogun scores goal number 3 in the competition (6 matches)

72':

Missed opportunity. Takumi Minamino from Monaco attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Maghnes Akliouche.

77':

Opportunity wasted. Aleksandr Golovin from Monaco attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

77':

Opportunity wasted. Aleksandr Golovin from Monaco attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area...

79':

Missed opportunity. Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area that was near the target but went wide to the left.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match