AS Monaco kicked off their Centenary season with a strong 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne at a packed Stade Louis-II. Takumi Minamino scored the decisive goal, delivering a sublime lob in the 28th minute. The match, which marked the start of the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season, was played in front of more than 14,000 fans, including club President Dmitry Rybolovlev.
The Monegasques entered the match with confidence after a 3-0 win against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy. Coach Adi Hütter fielded the same starting eleven, including the attacking duo of Embolo and Balogun, with Eliesse Ben Seghir leading the left flank.
The match began in a charged atmosphere, with Monaco pushing early. Despite a disallowed goal by Minamino and another by Saint-Etienne’s striker due to VAR, Monaco maintained their momentum. Minamino eventually opened the scoring with a brilliant lob, reminiscent of his first goal last season at the same venue.
Monaco’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, held strong throughout, especially during key moments when Saint-Etienne threatened to equalize. The VAR played a significant role, canceling three goals in total—two against Saint-Etienne.
The Red and Whites managed the closing stages effectively, nearly adding a second goal with substitute George Ilenikhena coming close to scoring. In the end, Monaco secured a well-deserved win to start their Centenary season on a high note.
