Nanterre, France – Despite ongoing financial difficulties, AS Monaco has secured a spot in the French Cup final, defeating Nanterre 88-83 on Tuesday night. The victory sets up a highly anticipated matchup against Le Mans on April 25th at the Accor Arena in Paris. This achievement keeps Monaco firmly in contention for a historic domestic quadruple, having already claimed the Leaders Cup and currently leading the Betclic Élite league standings.
The Roca Team’s journey to the final hasn’t been without its challenges. Reports indicate players have faced delayed payments, and the club’s long-term financial stability remains uncertain. However, they’ve demonstrated resilience, continuing to perform at a high level despite the off-court turmoil.
This latest win came against a strong Nanterre side, officially supported by NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama, and currently holding a solid third-place position in the Betclic Élite. Nanterre position up a strong fight, but Monaco proved too strong, extending their winning streak against French teams to an impressive run dating back to the fall.
The game, played at the Palais des Sports Maurice-Thorez, was a closely contested affair. Monaco, however, managed to pull away in the crucial closing minutes, despite a quiet performance from their standout player, Hugo Ymga-Moukouri, who appeared to be slightly hampered by an injury.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Monaco is currently without a head coach. Vassilis Spanoulis stepped down from his position over the weekend, and his duties have been temporarily assumed by his assistant, Sergiy Gladyr, a former player for Nanterre during their EuroLeague era in 2013. The club has not yet announced whether Spanoulis will return.
The win marks Monaco’s second appearance in the French Cup final, having previously triumphed in 2014 and 2017, and suffered defeats in 2007 and 2013. Nanterre, seeking their first title since 2017, will not have a fifth opportunity this season.
Monaco’s path to the final included a previous victory over Nanterre on February 15th, 2026, at the Paris La Défense Arena (76-81). That game, which drew a crowd of 18,000 spectators, foreshadowed Tuesday’s result.
Following the game, Nanterre’s Paul Lacombe expressed his disappointment, stating, “We didn’t play like we were in a semi-final. It’s a shame and frustrating because we’re on a losing streak right now, and that’s not decent.” Nanterre coach Julien Mahe echoed those sentiments, acknowledging Monaco’s superiority: “Monaco was better than us, and it’s a big disappointment for us. We started the match poorly.”
This French Cup final will be Monaco’s third final appearance this season, having already secured victories in the French SuperCup and the Leaders Cup. The April 25th showdown against Le Mans will be a rematch of the Leaders Cup final, which Monaco won convincingly with a score of 103-79 on February 22nd.
Despite their domestic success, Monaco is currently facing challenges in the EuroLeague. The team is navigating a difficult period, but their continued success in French competitions demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure. The Roca Team will require to maintain this momentum as they pursue a historic quadruple.
Monaco’s roster, despite the financial concerns, has proven capable of overcoming adversity. The team’s ability to remain focused and competitive amidst uncertainty is a testament to the players’ professionalism and the coaching staff’s leadership, now under the direction of interim coach Sergiy Gladyr.
The French Cup final between Monaco and Le Mans promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle between two of the top teams in French basketball. The game is scheduled for April 25th at the Accor Arena in Paris.
What’s Next: Monaco will return to Betclic Élite league play before facing Le Mans in the Coupe de France final on April 25th. Details regarding the league schedule and potential EuroLeague matchups will be released by the respective leagues.
What are your thoughts on Monaco’s chances of completing the quadruple? Share your predictions and comments below!
