The match: 4-1
At worst, AS Monaco will compete in the 3rd preliminary round of the next Champions League, since it can no longer finish beyond fourth place. But knowing that it still has to go to Montpellier (May 12) and host Nantes (19), this great success (4-1) against the last, Clermont – very close to relegation in L2, which will even be recorded from this Saturday evening if Metz dominates Rennes – also brings the current second in Ligue 1 closer to direct qualification in C1 (which will also concern the 3rd).
Offensively, the team coached by Adi Hütter, who could have scored at least twice as many goals (especially if Folarin Balogun, who came on as a substitute, had been a little more successful) was once again impressive. And this, under the leadership of the infernal duo Minamino-Ben Yedder (see below).
But also the Swiss international striker Breel Embolo, finally appearing for the first time this season on April 21 (he suffered a serious knee injury) and who scored his first goal in four appearances (and his first tenure) for his return, with a nice cross shot from the right (37th). On the other hand, Monaco also conceded quite a few chances and even a goal, admittedly ultimately anecdotal, scored by Muhamed Cham (his 8th of the season in L1) on a serve from Virginius (34th).
The duo: Minamino and Ben Yedder display their palette
The very fine Japanese international attacking midfielder (29 years old, 58 caps, 20 goals) and the very technical French striker (33 years old, 19 caps, 3 goals) offered a delightful recital allowing us to admire the breadth of their palette. In all the good shots, Takumi Minamino first opened the scoring with a superb curling shot from the right from 20 meters into the top corner (16th), his ninth goal of the season in L1.
Then the Nippon participated in a splendid one-two with… Wissam Ben Yedder, decisive passer on the second goal (Embolo, 37th). This duo enjoyed themselves again on the last two goals, Minamino finding Ben Yedder with the help of Pelmard, the center forward scoring from the left (57th). Then directly (6th assist for the Japanese) for the double from the ex-Toulouse, with the right foot this time (87th). Ben Yedder has totaled 15 goals in L1 this season. A beautiful Franco-Japanese treat!
42
Monaco has conceded 42 goals after 32 days of L1. This is the highest total for a team ranked second at this point in a season since ASSE in 1979-1980 (43). OPTA
