A big win for the Elite Group in Brentford

They did it in style! Facing Brentford at the Performance Center this Wednesday, Damien Perrinelle’s men had to do as well, or even better, than in their first clash last October, which ended in a draw (2-2). Aware of this challenge, the Rouge et Blanc met it perfectly, achieving a prestigious victory (4-1), in a one-sided encounter. ✍️

A lively start to the match

From the first moments, the Monegasques imposed themselves on the match rhythm, and quickly brought things to life, but it was the visitors who created the first dangerous chance, and it takes a heroic clearance from Ritchy Valme to prevent the opponents scoring (3′). Under threat, the Principality players responded, and Enzo Baglieri was close to finding the target on a lob from midfield (8′). It was a wild gesture and one which will also be attempted by the Bees, without further success (13′).

Michal, with a double, shows the way

Having difficulty keeping the ball, Brentford retreated,  and ended up conceding, after a loss of the ball by the last defender, benefiting Lucas Michal who appeared in front of the goal, and beat the goalkeeper with a clear strike, which ended up in the net (22′, 1-0). It would only take him five minutes to notch a double, by taking over a superb cross from Nazim Babaï with a half-volley, which flew past the English goalkeeper, who was not very attentive (27′, 2-0).

He was even very close to a hat-trick, but his attempt, which came from a long ball by Yann Lienard, was turned behind for a corner (36′). It is therefore with a two-goal lead that the young guns of AS Monaco return to the locker room. With more than a little positive energy, Damien Perrinelle’s men maintained their momentum from the start of the second act.

Coulibaly doubles the lead

Taking advantage of Brentford’s risk-taking, they played on the counter, and had the opportunity to score a knockout goal, but Mayssam Benama was denied twice by the attentive defense of the Bees (57′). The Rouge et Blanc were finally rewarded for their efforts a few minutes later by Mamadou Coulibaly, who got on the end of the rebound of a Jules Béry shot which had been kept out by the goalkeeper (63′, 3-0).

The scorer then failed to set up Mohamed Bamba, who unfortunately could not find the target with his attempt (71′). Monegasque chanced continued to proliferate, and another perfect clearance from Yann Lienard fell to the feet of Enzo Baglieri, who managed to shoot, but the ball was easily captured by the English side’s goalkeeper (73′).

Fear and reaction

Leaving space at the back, the Rouge et Blanc exposed themselves to counter-attacks, and ended up falling victim to them, letting the visitors reduce the score (80′, 3-1). The reaction of the Rocher club was not long in coming, though and Yannick Gesan tried his luck with a touch of the ball, but a firm hand from the opposing goalkeeper won the day (82′). There was no more success for substitute Béchir Yacoub, who, alone in front of an empty net, could only hit the right post (84′).

He then saw his second effort go over, after a brilliant piece of dribbling (86′), but bad luck would turn into success for the Monegasques, with Salatiel Decarpentrie’s goal from a deflected shot (87′, 4-1), and Damien Perrinelle’s choices had paid off. A final  save from Yann Lienard, would make up for a poor clearance (90+3′) to put an end to the superb encounter for the Rouge et Blanc.

Ending 2023 against Benfica

A prestigious victory (4-1), that’s exactly what the Elite Group needed for its last match at home in 2023. But the calendar is not completely finished for them, since they will still have one last match, on Friday December 22, away to Benfica also in a friendly. Bravo to our youngsters! 👏

Match details 📄

Wednesday, December 13 – Performance Centre

Friendly match

AS Monaco 4-1 Brentford FC

Halftime: 2-0

Goals: Michal (22′, 27′), Coulibaly (63′) and Decarpentrie (87′) for AS Monaco

AS Monaco: Lienard – Babaï (Baranik, 45′), Valme ⓒ, Béry, Cartillier – Platret, Benama, Bamba (Gesan, 74′), Coulibaly (Decarpentrie, 84′)  – Baglieri, Michal (Yacoub, 74′)

Manager: Damien Perrinelle