Dominating from start to finish, the Red and Whites secured a draw against Juventus at the Stade Louis-II (0-0), which means qualification for the Champions League playoffs.
A draw means qualification for the playoffs! Solid against Juventus, AS Monaco earned a point that guarantees them a place in the Champions League playoffs (0-0). It was a good result at the Stade Louis-II, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and President Dmitry Rybolovlev. Match report ✍️
The context 📅
The Red and Whites approached the final Champions League league phase match with a simple objective: to secure their place in the competition’s playoffs. A difficult task on paper, against a team that has won 11 of its last 14 matches in all competitions, and against whom Monaco have historically struggled, with only one victory in 1998 (1 draw and 4 defeats) in six encounters.
We all watched the match against Napoli, and what stands out from that encounter is beautiful tactical mastery combined with many individual qualities, but above all an intelligent team on the field, with experience.
The composition 👥
To try and meet this challenge despite the numerous absences, for coach Sébastien Pocognoli the focus is on solidity, with two notable changes. Jordan Teze moves into the centre of defence, as does captain, Denis Zakaria, while Lamine Camara confirms his return to the midfield alongside Mamadou Coulibaly, who strengthens the team in this area for the game.
The scenario 🎞
This decisive duel starts strongly with a poor clearance from Perin which lands at the feet of Maghnes Akliouche, which unfortunately misses the target (1st minute). The Red and Whites confirm this good start by opening the scoring through Folarin Balogun after a pass from deep, but a foul was eventually called (14th minute). The first half produced few opportunities, but they all fell to Monaco.
Monaco dominated, but without success
Vanderson tried his luck from a wide position in the box (31st minute), then launched a powerful long-range effort (38th minute), but Perin was equal to the effort each time. Next, Jordan Teze unleashed a shot from 25 meters, but without success (39th minute). The only Italian scare came from former Lens player Openda, whose low, angled shot grazed the post (40th minute). The half-time whistle blew with the score still 0-0, a result that currently sees AS Monaco through to the next round.
Italian changes but little impact
At half-time, Luciano Spalletti made two changes to try and secure a top-eight finish, bringing on Yildiz and Adzic (46th minute). However, it was Monaco who continued to threaten, with a volley from Caio Henrique saved by Perin (53rd minute). The match then became very tight between two teams unwilling to take any risks.
One point means qualification!
The Bianconeri were slightly shaken by a free kick from Africa Cup of Nation champion, Lamine Camara, which dipped over the bar (69th minute), and then by a curling shot from Balo (72nd minute). The red and whites continued to dominate, as Vandi cut inside onto his left foot but missed the target (79th minute), before Jordan tried his luck with a direct free kick (82nd minute). The final chance fell to Juventus, but Zhegrova failed to find the target (93rd minute).
It’s all over, AS Monaco secured a draw against the Old Lady (0-0) and officially qualify for the Champions League playoffs for the second year in a row. DAGHE MUNEGU! 🇲🇨
The highlights 🎥
1′: Akliouche’s effort is off target after Perin’s poor clearance 2′: McKennie’s header goes wide 14′: Balogun’s goal, after a through ball, is disallowed for a foul 31′: Akliouche plays a through ball to Vanderson, who shoots, but Perin deflects it for a corner 38′: Vanderson’s long-range shot is saved by Perin 39′: Teze’s snap-shot goes wide 40′: Openda’s low, angled shot grazes the left post 53′: Caio Henrique’s volley is caught by Perin 69′: Camara’s free kick from the wing lands just over the bar 72′: Balogun’s curling shot is caught by Perin 79′: Vanderson cuts inside onto his left foot and shoots, but misses the target 82′: Teze’s free kick is caught by Perin
The statistics 📊
AS Monaco have qualified for the Champions League knockout stage for the eighth time in their history. This is also the second consecutive time the Red and Whites have achieved this feat, following their performance in 2024-2025.
🗓️ The match sheet:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (21:00) – Louis-II Stadium
🇪🇺 Champions League – Matchday 8: AS Monaco 0-0 Juventus Turin
Half time: 0-0
Yellow cards: Kehrer (63′), Camara (71′) for AS Monaco; Adzic (85′) for Juventus
AS Monaco: Köhn – Teze, Zakaria ©, Kehrer – Vanderson, Camara, Coulibaly (Bamba, 78′), C.Henrique – Akliouche, Balogun, Golovin (Ouattara, 89′)
