AS Monaco vs. English clubs: A history

Before tomorrow's duel against Arsenal (9 p.m.) as part of the sixth day of the Champions League, we look back at the history between AS Monaco and English clubs.

The Champions League campaign will take on an English accent. This Wednesday (9pm), AS Monaco travels to London to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, as part of the sixth round of matches, and has the possibility of confirming their place in the knockout rounds with a win. To do this, it will be necessary to build on a favorable history against British clubs (9 wins – 4 draws – 5 defeats). Here’s a look back at some recent matchups… 🔙

Leeds, first of a long list

In its entire European history, AS Monaco has played against eight English teams, the first being Leeds United in the UEFA Cup round of 32, in the 1995-1996 season. Unfortunately, after a difficult first leg where they lost 0-3 at the Stade Louis-II, the Rouge et Blanc were unable to turn the tide in this double-legged tie despite a 0-1 victory thanks to Sonny Anderson.

There was more success, however, a year later in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals against Newcastle. Led by their Brazilian striker, once again the game’s only scorer, they first impressed at Saint James Park by winning 0-1. In the return leg they controlled the match and earned a 3-0 victory with a goal from Sylvain Legwinski and a double from Ali Benarbia, synonymous with a first European semifinal.

When Trezeguet slayed United

It was their first semi-final in the second tier competition, and it came before experiencing a Champions League semifinal again in 1997-1998, four years later. For this, Jean Tigana’s men were sensational in eliminating Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the quarterfinals. After an 0-0 at the Stade Louis-II, the Rouge et Blanc drew 1-1 at Old Trafford thanks to a cannon shot from David Trezeguet and went through on away goals!

Beating Chelsea in a magic run

If this tie against the Red Devils remains legendary , what can be said about facing Chelsea in 2003-2004 in the semisfinals of the Champions League. Full of momentume after beating Real Madrid, the Rouge et Blanc won the first leg 3-1, with a goal from Shabani Nonda on his return from injury. Then trailing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, they were carried by the momentum of this fantastic run and managed to get a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Hugo Ibarra and Fernando Morientes. A place in the Champions League final was well and truly in the bag!

Beating Liverpool, future winner of the Champions League, job done!

The following season, AS Monaco once again faced an English club in the Champions League — this time it was Liverpool in the group stage. Beaten 2-0 at Anfield, the Rouge et Blanc took their revenge in Fontvieille with a 1-0 victory thanks to Javier Saviola, a  performance that would be seen as even more impressive since the Reds would win the competition a few months later.

Lightning strikes against the gunners

Now we head to 2014-2015, where the Principality club were drawn against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League and would achieve the feat of eliminating the club led by… Arsène Wenger, thanks to a first leg that has become legendary. With a very young team, Leonardo Jardi’s men won 3-1 thanks to Geoffrey Kondogbia, Dimitar Berbatov and Yannick Carrasco. The return leg at the Stade Louis-II was stressful but the Rouge et Blanc held firm and only lost 0-2, which meant qualification for the quarterfinals.

Two legendary matches against City

When one talks of matches that have gone down in history, those against Manchester City in 2016-2017 are obviously part of it. In this crazy season that would see the team win an eighth title, the Rouge et Blanc would indeed record two massive performances against the Citizens. First beaten 5-3 in the first leg, they would then offer themselves a “remontada” at home thanks to Kylian Mbappé, Fabinho and a header by Tiémoué Bakayoko. Final score: 3-1. Pep Guardiola’s City were beaten!

Tottenham, the most common opponent

Manchester City were not, however, the only team they faced during this epic that saw AS Monaco players reach the semi-finals. In the group stage, they faced Tottenham and won both games by a score of 2-1, including one at Wembley Stadium. Revenge had to be taken since in 2015-2016, in the Europa League, they had conceded a draw at home before falling 4-1 in the return leg in England.