Monaco Defeat Aston Villa 1-0: Singo’s Early Goal Secures Victory

Monaco emerged victorious in a tightly contested Champions League clash, defeating Aston Villa 1-0 at Stade Louis-II. Wilfried Singo’s early goal proved decisive as the French side held firm to secure all three points. Both teams remain level on 13 points after seven group-stage matches, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish.

Singo’s Decisive Strike

Monaco started the match brightly and took the lead in the eighth minute. Thilo Kehrer’s powerful header from a corner was saved by Emi Martinez, but Wilfried Singo reacted quickest to bundle the ball into the net.

Villa’s Missed Opportunities

Unai Emery made bold tactical changes, introducing Jhon Duran alongside Ollie Watkins early in the second half. However, Monaco’s disciplined defense stifled Villa’s attack, limiting both strikers to just one shot each. Despite dominating possession in spells, the visitors couldn’t find an equalizer.

Monaco Player Ratings

• Radoslaw Majecki (8.8/10): Player of the match with crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
• Vanderson (7.7/10): Solid performance on the right flank, contributing both defensively and offensively.
• Wilfried Singo (8.7/10): Scored the winning goal and excelled defensively.
• Thilo Kehrer (8.1/10): A commanding presence in defense, key in set-piece situations.
• Christian Mawissa (7.1/10): Provided stability on the left side of defense.
• Denis Zakaria (6.9/10): Worked hard in midfield but was less influential going forward.
• Lamine Camara (7.5/10): Controlled the midfield, breaking up Villa’s attacks effectively.
• Takumi Minamino (7.2/10): Energetic performance in the attacking midfield role.
• Maghnes Akliouche (7.0/10): Provided width and kept Villa’s defense on edge.
• Breel Embolo (6.9/10): Worked tirelessly upfront but lacked clear-cut chances.
• Eliesse Ben Seghir (6.9/10): Showed flashes of creativity but was subbed off in the second half.

Substitutes:

• Aleksandr Golovin (65′, 6.6/10): Added experience but had little impact.
• Soungoutou Magassa (65′, 6.9/10): Contributed defensively in the closing stages.
• Jordan Teze (78′, 6.1/10): Brought on to shore up the defense.
• Lucas Michal (78′, 6.0/10): Had limited time to influence proceedings.

Aston Villa Player Ratings

• Emi Martinez (7.2/10): Made several important saves but could do nothing to prevent the goal.
• Matty Cash (7.8/10): Villa’s standout performer, both defensively and in attack.
• Ezri Konsa (6.5/10): Struggled to handle Monaco’s counterattacks.
• Tyrone Mings (6.9/10): Solid in aerial duels but lacked composure at times.
• Lucas Digne (7.0/10): Provided width but was subbed off late on.
• Boubacar Kamara (6.9/10): Anchored the midfield but failed to dominate.
• Youri Tielemans (6.9/10): Worked hard but lacked the creative spark needed to unlock Monaco’s defense.
• Morgan Rogers (6.5/10): Quiet performance in the attacking midfield role.
• Leon Bailey (6.4/10): Ineffective on the right wing and replaced early in the second half.
• Ollie Watkins (5.8/10): Struggled to make an impact against a well-organized defense.
• Emi Buendia (6.1/10): Couldn’t find the space to influence the game.

Substitutes:

• Jhon Duran (56′, 5.6/10): Made little impact after coming on.
• Ian Maatsen (67′, 6.3/10): Brought energy but couldn’t change the outcome.
• Lamare Bogarde (86′, N/A): Introduced too late to be rated.
• Jacob Ramsey (86′, N/A): Had minimal time to influence the game.