With a much changed side, AS Monaco went down 3-0 in Germany but still finish as winners of Group E.
It was a night for giving some players a little more experience. With his team already qualified for the last 16 having wrapped up top spot in Group E, Leonardo Jardim had indicated he would be rotating his squad. And while his side did not give a bad account of themselves, they were beaten 3-0 in Germany.
Morgan de Sanctis kept Bayer at bay for a long time, making a string of top class saves. Unfortunately, he could do nothing about Yurchonko’s 30th minute strike, a pearler from 20 yards into the top corner to make it 1-0 to the hosts. After half time, Brandt doubled the Germans’ advantage after a slight deflection off Jemerson (48 mins).
The Monegasques came close to pulling one back, but the post denied Corentin Jean after good work to create the chance by Moutinho (56 mins). The Red & Whites were also unlucky for Bayer’s third goal. Wendell smacked his penalty against the bar, but the ball bounced in off Morgan De Sanctis’ back. The 3-0 defeat was academic though, as AS Monaco still finish top of Group E, after a fine group phase. The draw for the last 16 takes place on 12 December.
Source: www.asmonaco.com
