After two dull games, Monegasque supporters experienced their first emotions of the season. AS Monaco came out miraculously. A week ago, stoppages had been fatal in red and white. Sunday, at the end of the afternoon, an inspiration from Maghnes Akliouche and a whim from Takumi Minamino offered the Rocher club a happy victory.
AS Monaco – RC Strasbourg Alsace : 3-2
AS Monaco: Akliochebase 6 ‘, Balogun 48’ + 60 6 / RC Strasbourg: 73 ‘, panichelli 76’
Before promoting his generals, Napoleon asked them if they were lucky. By this apparently simplistic question, he sought whether they would be able to adopt conducive behaviors to seize opportunities, thus ensuring the victory of the imperial army. In the absence of genius, Adi Hütter is certainly lucky. For more than two years, his team has been aligning unconvincing services but has always managed to achieve the objectives set by management. Last season, during the penultimate day of the championship, the unexpected collapse of all its rivals had allowed AS Monaco to secure its place on the podium. This year, at the nearest two minutes, the Rocher club would have been at four points in three days. This mediocre assessment would have revived the endless debates on the tactical contribution of his coach and his maintenance at the head of the team. Six points give a completely different flavor to this start of the championship. The average of two points per game is generally sufficient to guarantee a place in the Champions League at the end of the season. At the edge of the international break, the objective is therefore fulfilled. Adi Hütter is satisfied and can sweep away any criticism of a backhand. It remains now thirty-one games. We already know the scenario. Supporters will attend a few successful times, followed by long, uncontrolled sequences during which they will panic each opposing attack. But, as usual, the Monegasque team will advance Cahin-Caha and, in a weakened French championship where only Lille and Lyon seem to emerge as direct competitors, AS Monaco will end up on the podium in May 2026.
Fortunately, we will soon have the Champions League To dream. The recent draw has reserved for players in beautiful challenges and supporters of attractive posters. We hope for envy, plume and, if possible, victories. A place in the top 8 would be a feat, but ending in the first twenty-four is an obligation for our team. The highlight of this group stage will be the trip to the Stantiago-Bernabéu stadium in Madrid. A sumptuous match against Real Madrid is waiting for the players on January 20. Supporters will carefully follow Jordan Teze’s performance. Its performance in red and white, without being calamitous, leave a doubt about its real level. No doubt, that after 90 minutes of face-to-face with Vinicius Júnior we will know more!
Barely launched, our championship is already giving way to a few international games hardly exciting. Let’s at least hope to attend the Blue Beguns of Magnes Akliouche. In the meantime, long live football, long live Takumi Minamino and especially live theAS Monaco !
Photo: Pascal of the Zuana/icon Sport
