After finishing first in Group C of the UEFA Champions League group stage, the team „Monaco“ became the most desired opponent for all teams that finished second in their groups.
London „Arsenal“ fans, after drawing the lots for the knockout matches, were bursting with joy. However, after the Wednesday match in London, where the „Monaco“ club felt like they were the host, Thursday became a day of mourning. With a score of 1:3, „Arsenal“ lost to the „Monaco“ footballers who arrived without several key players.
With just four goals scored in 6 group stage matches, the French team is the team with the fewest goals scored among all teams that reached the quarterfinals. „Monaco“ became one of the least productive teams in the history of the Champions League group stage matches. The French team's 4 goals are such a small number that only three teams scored fewer goals in the group stage that season: Barysaw's „BATE“, Nicosia's „Apoel“, and Lisbon's „Benfica“.
However, in London on Wednesday evening, „Monaco“ completely dominated the field. The French had not even a few important players, surrendered ball possession to „Arsenal“, and patiently waited for their chances. Within the first 15 minutes, Dimitar Berbatov found himself three times in front of goal - which clearly shows that the French didn't control the ball much and tried to counterattack.
„It was a tragic evening, but I have to congratulate our opponents. They fought, defended brilliantly, and caught us on quick attacks. We did everything wrong - wasted our opportunities and played suicidally in defense. How can you concede a goal and defend so tragically in the last minute of play”, - rhetorically asked „Arsenal“ coach Arsene Wenger.
After the quarterfinal stage, the „Arsenal“ club has left the Champions League for the last four seasons in a row. This time could be the fifth.
After the match, on social media, there were again „Arsenal“ fans urging to finally fire coach A. Wenger. Others laughed at old posts made after the Champions League quarterfinal draw, where „Arsenal“ fans' joy was recorded upon learning they would have to play against „Monaco“.
„Of course, our task will be extremely difficult now. The third goal only made it worse, but we will go as guests to fight for progress. „Monaco“ is a very well-organized team, and it will be extremely difficult”, - said A. Wenger.
„Among the opponents are many individually strong players, but we play football, which is a team game. We played well defensively, were organized, but at the same time, managed to attack dangerously. Football is an art - you have to know how to attack and how to defend. It requires balance.
No one believed it was possible, but we won. However, nothing is finished yet; we just gained an advantage for the second leg”, - cautiously spoke „Monaco“ coach Leonardo Jardim.
In the history of the Champions League knockout matches, no team has managed to overcome a deficit of three or more goals at home and with a two-goal deficit in the away matches, and advance further.
15min.lt
