Monaco Edges Out Aston Villa in Champions League Clash
AS Monaco secured their first victory of the year in the Champions League, defeating Aston Villa 1-0 at home on Tuesday. The Ligue 1 side took the lead early in the match through a header from Wilfried Singo, following a fine save by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Monaco's win snapped a four-game winless streak across all competitions and propelled them into the seeded playoff spots in the 36-team Champions League table with 13 points. Villa, who were unbeaten in their previous five matches, also sit on 13 points, but their top-eight finish is now in jeopardy.
The visitors enjoyed more possession before the break but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki kept out efforts from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, ensuring his team's lead remained intact.
The second half saw chances for both sides, with Villa's Morgan Rogers firing just wide and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche having an effort ruled out for offside. Villa manager Unai Emery attempted to spark his attack with substitutions, but they were unable to breach a solid Monaco backline.
"It was my mistake when we played with two strikers because we lost positioning," admitted Villa boss Emery. "We lost control of the game. We were very weak in the middle. We were horrible in set-pieces, we were horrible. We had seven corners and not one close to scoring."
"It was important to get three points because I think we lost the opportunity to get in the top eight. Today was the key," he concluded.
Villa will host Celtic in their final Champions League first phase match next Wednesday, with their top-eight hopes hanging in the balance.
22 Comments
ytkonos
Villa totally dominated the game but Monaco was lucky with the early goal. Unfair result.
Karamba
Monaco is a great example of how a small club can achieve success in Europe.
dedus mopedus
Singo was brilliant today! He scored the winning goal and was a rock in defense.
Matzomaster
Emery's tactics were terrible. Two strikers? What was he thinking? He cost Villa the game.
lettlelenok
I'm still confident that Villa can make the top eight. They just need to win their last game.
Rotfront
This win shows that Monaco is a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Africa
I'm so angry with Villa. They've ruined my week. I hope they lose every game from now on.
Mariposa
Villa played well but Monaco was just too good for them today.
Comandante
Majecki was also fantastic! He made some crucial saves to keep Villa out.
Coccinella
Emery needs to take some responsibility for this loss. His tactics were all wrong.
Muchacho
Villa need to find a way to score goals. They can't rely on just one striker.
ZmeeLove
Emery needs to go. He's lost the plot and Villa is going nowhere with him in charge.
Habibi
Villa should have won this easily. Monaco's keeper was the only reason they won.
Africa
I can't wait to see Monaco in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Mariposa
Monaco didn't deserve to win. They played defensively the whole time. Boring football.
Habibi
I'm so proud of Monaco! They've come a long way in the last few years.
ZmeeLove
This is the worst Villa team I've ever seen. They're a disgrace to the club.
Muchacho
Great win for Monaco! They deserved it after dominating the second half.
Bella Ciao
This win is a huge boost for Monaco's Champions League hopes. They're back in the race for the top eight.
Muchacha
This result shows how weak the Champions League is. A team like Monaco shouldn't be in the competition.
Leonardo
This loss is a disaster for Villa's Champions League hopes. They're out of the top eight and their season is over.
Raphael
Come on Villa! You can do it!