The European campaign was supposed to bring some joy to the end of the Monegasque season. In the end, it only confirms the recurring difficulties of the Rock players, who have been too irregular since the start of the season. Capable of winning at the Orange Vélodrome (0-1), then losing on the lawn of the 4th in the Portuguese Championship (2-0) a few days later. Against Braga on Thursday March 10, Wissam Ben Yedder’s teammates suffered too much to hope for a better return in the Principality.
Led to the score in the third minute after a pattern of defensive scrambles, ASM experienced a turbulent first few minutes. To the high pressure from the Portuguese bloc, Philippe Clement’s players only responded with feverishness and conceded a number of dangerous chances. From a Nübel parade to life-saving posts, Monaco sometimes seemed to be hanging on a thread.
After thirty minutes of defending and sweating profusely, the Monegasques led by Gelson Martins – one of the few able to create chances – finally managed to push the Portuguese defense to its limits. With a small ball stung from the right, the latter even scored the equalizer. Disallowed for an offside position. It was the same a few minutes later with a header finish from captain Ben Yedder.
Our Red and White lose in Braga. Return match next Thursday at the Stade Louis-II.#UEL | #SCBASM ‣ 2-0 pic.twitter.com/SPGqibEsQt
– AS Monaco (@AS_Monaco) March 10, 2022
After this surge of pride, Monaco continued to suffer when they returned from the locker room. Never sharp, nor dangerous, despite possession to their advantage (62-38%) the Red and Whites were sometimes surprised on the counterattack. In total, and despite a lack of possession, the Portuguese shot more on goal (15 shots for Braga, 9 for Monaco), also framing the strikes better (6 shots on target at 3). At the very end of the match, it was substitute Vitor Oliveira who doubled the lead to allow his side to approach the second leg with a more comfortable mattress in advance.
Now in an unfavorable position, Monaco will play big, Thursday March 17 (6:45 p.m.), for the return match. Obliged to score at least twice, Philippe Clement and his players will certainly show another face. This winter, it is in particular for his desire to offer attacking football that the Belgian coach was recruited. It is now up to him to prove that his reputation was not usurped.