AS Monaco commenced their Centenary season with a commendable 1-0 win against Saint-Etienne at the bustling Stade Louis-II, thanks to a masterful 28th-minute lob from Takumi Minamino. The fixture, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 14,000, including club President Dmitry Rybolovlev, signified the beginning of the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 campaign. The victory followed a robust pre-season performance, highlighted by a 3-0 triumph over Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, setting a positive tone for the team.
Coach Adi Hütter trusted the same lineup that overcame Barcelona, with the attacking partnership of Embolo and Balogun, and Eliesse Ben Seghir on the left. The team's early aggression was evident, though a goal by Minamino was initially nullified. Despite this, Minamino managed to break the deadlock, echoing his scoring prowess from the previous season at the same venue. Throughout the game, Monaco’s defense, led by goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, remained resolute, crucially thwarting Saint-Etienne’s attempts to level the score.
Monaco’s strategic gameplay in the final stages almost yielded a second goal, with substitute George Ilenikhena nearly finding the net. The team effectively managed the game's tempo, securing a victory that not only delighted fans but also set a celebratory tone for their Centenary season. This win reflects Monaco's readiness to contend vigorously in the league, building on their initial momentum and historical legacy.
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