Dominant but unrewarded, AS Monaco face off with Sturm Graz
A poorly rewarded draw. Dominant during a large part of the match, but nevertheless behind twice, the AS Monaco players secured a draw against a clinical Sturm Graz (2-2). It was a third quality match in any case, for the Rouge et Blanc who will return to the Principality on Sunday. ✍️
Very active on the left flank
It was under the eyes of more than 1,000 spectators present at the Dana Arena, including some wearing AS Monaco jerseys, that the kick-off was given. After a very competitive first quarter of an hour in terms of duels, Takumi Minamino provided the first opportunities. First on a pass for Aleksandr Golovin where the goalkeeper did well to get down (14′), then on a cross to the back post for Kassoum Ouattara whose shot was just wide (18′).
Taki’, the man for the job
It was finally against the run of play that Sturm Graz opened the scoring with a beautiful shot curled past the near post (1-0 21′). The Rouge et Blanc did not panick, however, and Taki’ would take justice into his own hands by converting a penalty that he won (1-1, 33′)! Joy was short-lived, however, since the Austrians would snatch their own penalty kick on a questionable handball which they converted (2-1, 41′).
Le penalty transformé par @takumina0116 💪
‣ #STUASM pic.twitter.com/ldws6A2Hv1
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 20, 2024
Inspiration from Sali’, a finish from Eliot
Half-time came after a final strike from Golo’, cleared by the Graz goalkeeper (43′), which fortunately lead to a goal. The second half begins like the first, with a real battle in midfield. But on a superb cross from Mohammed Salisu, Eliot Matazo went in alone on goal and beat the Austrian goalkeeper to level the match (2-2, 58′)!
Le magnifique but d'Eliot Matazo, sur un service parfait de Salisu 👊
‣ #STUASM pic.twitter.com/fLRYRj6LuO
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 20, 2024
A big rotation
Aleksandr Golovin even came close to giving the Monegasques the lead, but his shot was past the top corner (62′). Stung, Sturm Graz tried to react after the break with Manprit Sarkaria, who missed the target (74′), before hitting the crossbar (75′). This was then the time chosen by coach Adi Hütter to bring on nine players, seven of which were Academy products.
Lemarechal unlucky, Majecki decisive!
AS Monaco were close to taking the lead on a free kick by Félix Lemarechal which was pushed back on to the bar (80′), then on a shot acros goal by Vanderson (83′). Shortly thereafter, it was Sarkaria again who lit the stadium with a powerful attempt saved Radeck Majecki off the post (84′). The last chance would come from Myron Boadu at ground level (93′) and Ismail Jakobs with a header from a corner (95′), without success.
𝗙𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 🔚
Après une semaine de stage, l'AS Monaco concède le nul face au dernier champion d'Autriche 🇦🇹🤝
2⃣-2⃣ #STUASM pic.twitter.com/cF9xIe4rS8
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 20, 2024
The two teams therefore parted ways in a well-earned draw for Sturm Graz (2-2), given the danger created by the Monegasques. They will leave Austria this Sunday, ending an informative week-long training camp.
📋 Match details:
Saturday July 20 – Dana Arena de Windischgarsten
Preseason match: Sturm Graz 2-2 AS Monaco
Halftime: 2-1
Goals: Böving (21′), Biereth (41′) pour Graz ; Minamino (33′), Matazo (58′) for AS Monaco
Sturm Graz: Scherpen – Gazibegovic, Wüthrich, Lavalée, Karic – Böving, Geyrhofer, Chukwuani – Zvonarek – Biereth, Jatta
Substitutes: Maric, Aiwu, Malic, Johnston, Stankovic, Dante, Horvat, Herländer, Sarkaria, Camara, Wlodarczyk, Bignetti, Sorg, Hödl
Manager: Christian Ilzer
AS Monaco: Köhn (Majecki, 46′) – Singo (Nibombé, 76′), Kehrer (Valme, 76′), Salisu (Kiwa, 76′) – Diatta (Babaï, 76′), Camara (Lemarechal, 76′), Diop (Vanderson, 76′), Ouattara (Jakobs, 46′) – Matazo (Semedo Varela, 76′) – Minamino (Etonde, 76′), Golovin ©️ (Boadu, 76′)
Substitutes: Majecki, Lienard, Babaï, Jakobs, Kiwa, Nibombé, Platret, Semedo Varela, Valme, Bamba, Lemarechal, Boadu, Etonde
Manager: Adi Hütter
