Monaco and PSV, coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy, drew (1-1) at Louis II in the first leg of this star tie in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Joey Veerman, after an assist from ex-Barça and ex-Sevilla player Luuk de Jong, put the Dutch ahead in the first half but central defender Axel Disasi equalized in the final stretch and the post stopped the 2- 1 in extremis.
Although not brilliant, the match was worthy of the group stage of the contest between the two top teams in European football. In the first half the game had no continuity at times due to fouls due to the importance of the match.
Philippe Clement’s Monaco struggled to string games together despite having Japanese Takumi Minamino, signed from Liverpool, in their ranks, and their best chance in the first half was a Youssouf Fofana shot which seemed to hit defender Jordan Teze’s arm. turns to intercept the ball (32′). But the referee, after consulting VAR, did not see a penalty.
Great action by Luuk de Jong at 0-1
Moments later came 0-1. Luuk de Jong received from behind, stepped on the ball and cleverly pushed it back to Veerman, whose shot from behind beat Alexander Nübel (38′). Veerman himself had earlier warned with a cross shot that went close to the post (25′).
PSV, who won the Super Cup against Ajax 3-5 on Saturday, looked to be in control, but after the break Monaco came out ready to score and Minamino had a chance in the 48th minute but the his shot missed the target.
from power to power
PSV were not satisfied with maintaining their advantage and immediately responded with the arrival of left back Philipp Max, whose cross to the far post Guus Til could not connect properly and went wide.
The game entered its best phase as both teams again had options to score. Kevin Volland made it 1-1 with a Wissam Ben Yedder free-kick but was unable to direct his powerful header between the posts (58′).
Ismael Salibari caused panic with a control in the local area before turning and placing the ball which he almost missed (74′).
Fofana equalized and deflected the post to make it 2-1
In the final moments, Monaco turned and got the reward for their persistence with a free kick that Ben Yedder took again from the right, the ball fell to Disasi, who pushed it into the net (80′).
PSV struggled to maintain the draw. In fact, it was the post that saved him when, after goalkeeper Walter Benítez denied a shot from Disasi, Fofana went in with everyone and his header was deflected by the woodwork (89′). Monaco, dangerous from set pieces, are close, but the tie will be decided next Tuesday in Eindhoven.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
