Pushed to the penalty shoot-out (1-1 final score), the Monegasques qualify for semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue thanks to a fantastic Loïc Badiashile, author of three saves. Monaco wins in penalties, 8-7.
In the first game of the year at the Stade Louis II, Thierry Henry started Rony Lopes to lead the Monegasque attack. The Rouge & Blanc wanted to earn their first win of 2019 in Canet and took control of the game. The opportunities were clearly Monegasque (14′, 17′), but Rennes scored first thanks to Bourigeaud, who was close to being offside(30 ‘). Sylla and Lopes are close to equalizing but both teams enter the locker room with the score of 1-0 for the visitors.
The men of Thierry Henry continued working hard in the second half and are finally rewarded in the 55th minute of play. Julien Serrano went down the left side and addressed a sends a cross into the heart the penalty area. Rony Lopes is at the end of it and pushes the ball into the net of Koubek.
In spite of a big desire of the players of AS Monaco to win in regulation, the score didn’t not change, and penalty kicks took place. The magic Loïc Badiashile, combined with fine execution when shooting, is the difference. Already the author of three saves, the goalkeeper scored the eleventh and last shot to win 8-7 on penalties. That sends the Red & Whites into the semifinal of the Coupe de la Ligue. Next match: Sunday with the trip to Marseille (L1 – J20).
Before the meeting on Wednesday against Stade Rennais, the coach of the Red & Whites, Thierry Henry, recognised that the game will not be the easy one.
«It’s going to be a very tough match on Wednesday. Rennes is doing very well right now, with players coming forward quickly, creating an imbalance like Sarr, Ben Arfa …. If you want to go to Europe, Coupe de la Ligue is the fastest way, not the easiest. We try to do what we can with what we have.»
Pleased with the qualification to the semifinals after defeating Rennes, the coach highlighted the state of mind of his team. Not to mention that there is still a lot of work to be done.
«It was difficult for both teams. Rennes had the opportunity to win and so did we. Loïc’s match was extraordinary and not just during the penalty session. It’s been a long time since we had so few opportunities in a game. For a long time we couldn’t find players in the spaces and the opportunity to play between the lines. There have been crosses. What particularly pleased me tonight is the attitude of the players who have always tried to improve.
We conceded a goal and we reacted. I liked it, and it’s very important. The fans saw a team who fought. It is always a satisfaction as a coach to see on the pitch what we have been working on in training.
We will not give up. There has been work done, and work that remains to be done.»
Source: www.asmonaco.com
