AS Monaco 0-0 Juventus: Zakaria leads back-line masterclass in player ratings | OneFootball

Captain Denis Zakaria was outstanding at the heart of a back three as AS Monaco held Juventus 0-0 to secure qualification. Deployed centrally in a trio for the first time this season, he set the tone with composure and authority.

According to Nice-Matin, Rayan Akliouche shot off target inside one minute after a poor Mattia Perin pass. Zakaria then snuffed out Openda with major interventions on 10 and 36 minutes, while Folarin Balogun briefly beat Perin on 14 minutes before a foul for a push on Kalulu was given.

Alexander Golovin’s tracking back sparked a high regain that led to a Balogun cross cleared by Kelly on 25 minutes. Thilo Kehrer’s aggressive press created Vanderson’s driven effort on 31 minutes, and Akliouche’s backheel teed the Brazilian for another chance on 38 minutes. Juventus did not register a shot on target, so Philipp Köhn banked a second successive clean sheet.

After the break, Kehrer could have been booked for a shirt pull on Kalulu on 52 minutes, then was cautioned for a tug on Openda at 63 minutes. Youssouf Fofana Coulibaly had a penalty appeal waved away after contact from Cabal on 53 minutes, then chose the wrong pass on 61 minutes. Henrique focused on containment and tried a volley on 53 minutes, while sub Bamba arrived on 77 minutes and won a useful free-kick. Vanderson drove over with his left on 79 minutes.

Jurrien Teze excelled with smart positioning and front-foot defending, stepping into midfield to press Miretti then Yildiz. Golovin’s nine recoveries underlined his graft, and he avoided the yellow that would have ruled him out of the first play-off leg. Camara shook off a scrappy first half to cover huge ground after the interval.

Balogun’s pace troubled Juventus, though his final ball lacked polish and he tired after the hour against Bremer. Monaco’s coach changed system and his bold call to use Zakaria in defence paid off with progression. The contest and referee were each rated 5.

Source: Nice-Matin