Tactical Preview: AS Monaco - Quarterfinals

After finishing my match preview of the Monaco-Manchester City fixture, I honestly did not think that I would have to write another article. But I was at both legs, I yelled my lungs out, and I saw my beloved Monaco defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. For us to experience such great football, it takes two teams, so my introduction is more of a praise to the Sky Blues than anything else. Miraculously, Monaco went through and will now face Borussia Dortmund. Was it that much of a long shot? Do Monaco deserve their quarter-final presence?

Yes. Going back from losing 5-3, against a vastly richer side (Kevin De Bruyne cost more than every Monaco starter in the second leg combined), all of that while playing the most games of any team in Europe.

Given that we could have drawn Barcelona, Juventus or Real Madrid, Dortmund is not a terrible fixture. It’s not Leicester (no disrespect to them) but still, it’s doable. Given our current momentum, I am unsure whether Monaco can win.

On Saturday, AS Monaco lost the Coupe De La Ligue final against PSG 4-1. It was a demoralizing loss, but we picked ourselves up and defeated Lille 2-1 in the Coupe De France quarter final, with our B team. With only seven losses in 50 matches, Monaco has been one of the best teams in Europe. Nonetheless, Monaco’s priority remains winning Ligue 1, of which they currently lead by three points.