Monaco through at Tottenham's expense
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Article summary
Monaco secured top spot in Group E and a place in the round 16 courtesy of a 2-1 victory on home turf against Tottenham Hotspur, who can now finish no higher than third.
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Monaco rubber-stamped first place in Group E and a ticket to the UEFA Champions League round 16 thanks to a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, who must now concentrate on finishing third.
The French side might have taken the lead after 11 minutes, when Hugo Lloris saved Radamel Falcao's penalty, and Valère Germain also spurned a glorious chance before the break. Instead it was Djibril Sidibé's header that put the hosts in front three minutes after the interval.
Although Harry Kane levelled from the spot four minutes later, Monaco reclaimed the lead immediately, Thomas Lemar producing an expert finish from Sidibé's deep cross. In fact, Monaco ended in control, and they would have added a third if not for an inspired save by Lloris from Kamil Glik.
Key player: Djibril Sidibé (Monaco)
The young right-back was the decisive figure on the night, calmly nodding past Lloris from close range to open the scoring and then delivering an perfect centre for Lemar to restore Monaco's advantage. The goal and assist aside, Sidibé was a constant outlet and caused no end of problems down Tottenham's left flank.
Should Falcao have been on penalty duty?
Falcao had converted three penalties from three taken this season – and had not missed one since December 2013, against Valenciennes in Ligue 1 – but should Fabinho, the midfielder who won the spot kick, have been the man to face Lloris from 11 metres? Fabinho has scored all 12 penalties he's taken for Monaco, including two against Villarreal in this season's play-off when Falcao was missing through injury. The Brazilian handed back the responsibility when Monaco captain Falcao returned to the side.
Toothlessness puts paid to Tottenham's hopes
This early exit will be tough to take for Spurs, who had such high hopes coming into their UEFA Champions League campaign. Mauricio Pochettino's tyros have been unable to replicate their unbeaten Premier League campaign in Europe and, simply put, a return of three goals from five games was never going to be enough to qualify from the tightest group.
Reporters' views
David Crossan, Monaco (@UEFAcomDavidC)
This match perfectly illustrated what full-backs Benjamin Mendy and Sidibé have added to Monaco since joining from Marseille and Lille respectively last summer. Their pace and dynamism breaking down the wings has revolutionised Monaco's style of play and helped turn them into the free-scoring team they currently are. Credit to Leonardo Jardim for the way he has remodelled this side, reintegrating forwards Falcao and Germain after loan spells elsewhere. Monaco are deserved group winners.
Daniel Thacker, Tottenham (@UEFAcomDanielT)
Lloris said before this game that it would be a "failure" if Tottenham went out at the group stage, but by their own high standards the Lilywhites have failed in this European venture. Spurs cannot say they have performed to their best in any UEFA Champions League fixture this term and they were all at sea defensively in Monaco, despite Lloris's heroics.
