When AS Monaco and Tottenham crossed swords on the European stage | OneFootball

Before the third matchday of the Champions League against Spurs, this Wednesday (9 p.m.) at the Stade Louis-II, we take a look back at the four matches that have already taken place in the past.

It’s time for a reunion with another English club. This Wednesday evening at the Stade Louis-II (kick-off 9 p.m.), AS Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur will meet for the fifth time in their history. So before facing each other again on the occasion of the 3rd matchday of the Champions League league phase, we take a look back at the double legged tie which took place in the Europa League in 2015-2016 and then in the Champions League the following season.  🎞️

First round: a close draw 💪

After snatching a point away to Anderlecht in the first Europa League match of 2015-2016 thanks to a goal from Lacina Traoré (85′), the Rouge et Blanc hosted Tottenham, the competition’s underdogs, on the second matchday. After a close encounter, Leonardo Jardim’s men, trailing thanks to a goal from Erik Lamela (35′), managed to come back in the end.

Thanks to a superb cross from Nabil Dirar that found Stephan El Shaarawy, the latter headed home past Hugo Lloris (81′). This result didn’t suit either team, and they would try to settle the score in the return leg.

Round Two: Mbappé’s European debut… 💎

Two months later, the two teams met in London for the sixth and final matchday of the group stage. Spurs had already qualified, while AS Monaco needed to win, hoping for a poor performance from Anderlecht against Qarabag. Unfortunately, Mauricio Pochettino’s players took an early lead thanks to a hat-trick from Erik Lamela (2′, 15′, 37′).

And already an assist 🎯

But the highlight came in the second half. He came on in the 56th minute to replace Lacina Traoré, and Kylian Mbappé had made his European debut at 16 years, 11 months, and 20 days old. And the young Frenchman quickly shone.

Five minutes after making his appearance at White Hart Lane, he overtook Kieran Trippier on the left flank before providing his first professional assist for Stephan El Shaarawy, who reduced the deficit to 3-1 (61′). Spurs ultimately won 4-1 thanks to a goal from Andy Carroll, but this match, above all, saw the European debut of a gem named Mbappé.

Round three: Wembley is Rouge et Blanc 🇲🇨

The two teams wouldn’t be apart for long. It was a new season, a new European competition, but the same opponents. Placed in the same Champions League group in 2016-2017, they faced off at the legendary Wembley Stadium on Matchday 1.

And in a stadium where only Lens had managed to win among French clubs, the Rouge et Blanc achieved the feat, winning thanks to goals from a remarkable Bernardo Silva (15′ minute, 0-1) and Thomas Lemar (31′ minute, 0-2). Despite Toby Alderweireld pulling one back (45′ minute, 1-2), our Monegasques left London with all three points. It was a victory that launched the club’s exceptional European run.

Two months later at the Stade Louis-II, the Monegasques were top of their group and would qualify if they win again against Spurs. After a balanced first half, AS Monaco opened the scoring immediately after the break thanks to Djibril Sidibé, perfectly set up by Benjamin Mendy (48′, 1-0). Harry Kane equalized from the penalty spot (52′, 1-1), but the Monegasques regained the upper hand thanks to Thomas Lemar.

From the kickoff, the first goal scorer burst through and found his attacking midfielder in the box, who beat Hugo Lloris with a clean shot (53′, 2-1). This victory thus allowed Leonardo Jardim’s men to secure first place in the group and continue a European campaign that will be remembered. For their part, Mauricio Pochettino’s men finished third behind Bayer Leverkusen and were relegated to the Europa League.