PLAYER RATINGS | Monaco 0-0 Juventus: draw enough for Principality club to qualify for Champions League playoffs | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 8, 28/01/26

AS Monaco secured a 0-0 draw against Juventus to secure their qualification for the playoffs for the UEFA Champions League.

The Match

It was always likely to be a nervy night for Monaco, who knew that a draw was likely enough to secure their qualification. And whilst in the second half, they played like a team that had something to defend, they were certainly the more enterprising of the two teams in the first-half. 

Maghnes Akliouche had a glorious chance to open the scoring inside the first 60 seconds but fluffed his lines, missing the target after Mattia Perin had played the ball right to him. Folarin Balogun then had the ball in the back of the net just over 10 minutes later, but he saw his effort disallowed, the USMNT forward adjudged to have fouled Pierre Kalulu in the build-up. 

Perin was then worked by Vanderson on two occasions, denying the Brazilian on both occasions. Juventus, however, struggled to create, and that continued in the second-half, despite several attacking changes to little effect. As the game ticked towards full-time, it became clear that the Italian side could not reach the top eight, and it also became evident that Monaco only needed a point. It was a draw that suited both sides, ultimately, and one that ensures both clubs’ place in the playoffs. Mission accomplished.

Monaco player ratings

Philipp Kohn – 5

Jordan Teze – 6

Denis Zakaria – 7

Pocognoli said that this was Zakaria’s best match of the season and you can’t argue against it. When he first arrived at the club, Zakaria often played in defence before moving into his preferred midfield position, and the match tonight reminded you of his debut campaign. He was demonstrative, imposing, tidy and authoratitive: all the things that have been missing from his game in recent weeks. If this is a turning point in his season, it could be a turning point in Monaco’s season, too.

Thilo Kehrer – 6

Caio Henrique – 6

Mamadou Coulibaly – 4

Lamine Camara – 6

Vanderson – 7

The Brazilian was an engine down the right throughout, and unlike at the Bernabéu, he managed to balance his attacking and defensive duties. He was at times wasteful in the final third, but twice worked the Juventus goalkeeper. An accomplished performance, certainly one of the best of the season.

Aleksandr Golovin – 4

Maghnes Akliouche – 4

Folarin Balogun – 7

He had the ball in the back of the net, even if he did foul Kalulu in the build-up, but he was constantly playing off the shoulder of the last man or providing an option to feet. Monaco were less expansive in the second half and it was in his hold-up play that he became valuable as the home side looked to retain possession and see out the draw. 

GFFN | L. Entwistle – reporting from Monaco