The third edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP was full of entertainment, “the crazy clowns” adding good cheer and lots of laughter to the event as the Barbagiuans and Cirque FC returned to the pitch at Louis Stade. The Barbagiuans team (the Red and Whites) led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Cirque FC (the Blues) led by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie‘s daughter, Camille Gottlieb are centre stage. The fictitious kick-off between H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Camille Gottlieb launched hostilities.
Despite the charitable stakes, the competitive nature of all the players was not long in being felt…. everyone wanted to win the prestigious FIGHT AIDS CUP trophy.
Formula 1 ace Charles Leclerc, there at the kick-off, played his heart out for the Barbagiuans for 30 minutes, showing himself dedicated to the values of the FIGHT AIDS CUP.
The Game
Cirque FC dominated big-time for more than half of the first period. The chances multiplied, but no one managed to get the ball past Diego Benaglio the goalkeeper of the Barbagiuans or defeat the central defense, led by the legendary duo of AS Monaco Sébastien Squillaci and Gaël Givet.
Conversely, Cirque FC goalkeeper Sébastien Frey did not have much to do. And yet, it was the Barbagiuans who, on their first opportunity, managed to open the scoring, against the run of play with Sonny Anderson receiving a cross and scoring with a header. Barbagiuans lead, “one zero”. Shortly after, Cirque FC reacted and equalized thanks to Robert Pires. The players spare no effort. Note that Louis Ducruet played the entire first period, as a right-back.
The Second Half
In the second half, the trend is reversed. Still led by Louis Ducruet, the Barbagiuans take over the play from CIRQUE FC. The entries include Éric Abidal, Ernesto Javier Chevanton, Ludovic Giuly (end of the first half) and Fernando Morientes.. to accompany Didier Deschamps, Claude Puel and the others all boosting the Barbagiuans.
The effects were immediate, Fernando Morientes scored with a superb header putting Prince Albert II’s team in control in the 50th minute with the score at “two to one” in favour of the Barbagiuans. Ludovic Giuly adds a third goal in stride (53rd minute ) to give the Barbagiuans a 3-1 advantage.
From then on, CIRQUE FC resisted the repetitive attacks of the Barbagiuans and even managed to create some interesting situations. A penalty is called for CIRQUE FC and Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf fails to score, stopped by Vallaurio. Barbagiuans keep their 2-goal lead.
Other opportunities for CIRQUE FC, still with Clarence Seedorf but he was hampered in his strike by the return of Louis Ducruet still very involved in the match. The nephew of Prince Albert II will come off the pitch just a few minutes from the end.
Clarence Seedorf managed to score in the final moments at the 91st minute reducing the gap at the end of the match with a superb goal. The Barbagiuans retained their advantage and won the FIGHT AIDS CUP for the first time. BARBAGIUANS 3 goals CIRCUS FC 2 goals.
At the Barbagiuans gala, Ernesto Javier Chevanton was voted man of the match this year and received the trophy designed by artist Fred Allard from the hands of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet.
The 2023 FIGHT AIDS CUP was a huge success on every level. We look forward to seeing the epic duel again in 2024!
