In a tightly contested match in Bologna, AS Monaco clinched a crucial 1-0 victory in the final moments, thanks to Thilo Kehrer’s late strike. This result brings Monaco one step closer to securing a place in the Champions League play-offs.
Under the watchful eye of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, who attended the match at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on Tuesday, November 5, after supporting the young Monegasque side in the Youth League earlier that day, Monaco’s hard-fought win has boosted their play-off chances. Now undefeated after three Champions League matches (two wins, one draw), the Red and Whites are on the brink of cementing their spot in the tournament’s top 24 with one more victory over Bologna. However, the task will be tough, as Bologna has an impressive record at home in major European competitions, remaining unbeaten in 28 matches (16 wins, 12 draws).
For the match, Monaco manager Adi Hütter opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving Christian Mawissa his Champions League debut at left-back. Soungoutou Magassa partnered with Lamine Camara in midfield, while Breel Embolo led the attack, supported by Aleksandr Golovin, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Maghnes Akliouche.
With over 300 Monaco fans in attendance, Bologna began the game with intensity. Juan Miranda’s powerful shot sailed just over the bar in the 9th minute. Monaco’s first clear chance came soon after, as Breel Embolo’s shot deflected off Lukasz Skorupski and hit the post in the 15th minute. Christian Mawissa then blocked a shot from Giovanni Fabbian moments later.
Monaco appeared to score through Wilfried Singo, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul on the Bologna goalkeeper (19th minute). Undeterred, Monaco pushed forward with Aleksandr Golovin coming close from a direct free kick, only for Skorupski to make a save (35th minute). As the first half drew to a close, Santiago Castro’s goal was ruled offside, and Skorupski denied Maghnes Akliouche’s powerful left-footed shot just before the whistle (42nd minute).
In the second half, both goalkeepers continued to shine. Radoslaw Majecki made a critical save against Fabbian’s shot at the near post (55th minute). With Monaco pushing for a breakthrough, Hütter brought on Takumi Minamino (71st minute), Eliot Matazo, and Caio Henrique (78th minute) for the latter’s 150th appearance for Monaco. The changes nearly paid off as Caio Henrique’s cross was desperately cleared by Bologna’s Lucumi for a corner in the 86th minute.
This corner proved decisive: Aleksandr Golovin’s delivery found Thilo Kehrer at the far post, who volleyed it in with his right foot for his third goal of the season (87th minute).
This landmark victory makes Monaco the first team to win at Bologna’s Renato Dall’Ara Stadium in European competition. The Red and Whites now have 10 points, placing them third in their group and bringing them within reach of a play-off spot. Monaco will resume Ligue 1 action on Saturday, November 9 against Strasbourg at 17:00, hoping to carry their Champions League momentum into domestic play.
