Ligue 1, Gameweek 38, 03/06/23
AS Monaco were beaten 2-1 by FC Toulouse on the final day of the season, and therefore miss out on securing European football for next season. A win would have earned them a UEFA Europa Conference League place after Lille OSC slipped-up against ESTAC Troyes.
The stakes were high in this decisive match for the European places and this was one of the soccer picks for Gameweek 38. Toulouse fielded a weakened team as the outgoing Branco van den Boomen was benched, as were Zakaria Aboukhal and Thijs Dallinga. However, despite a European qualification riding on the result, there was a lack of effort, application and intensity from Monaco, who let the game drift for large periods in the first half.
The best chance of the half fell to Toulouse, but Alexander Nübel, perhaps in his finest period of form right at the end of his loan to Les Monégasques, was equal to Logan Costa’s and Veljko Birmancevic’s efforts, saving twice with his feet in spectacular fashion. The outgoing Maxime Dupé was also called into action and did well to save from Wissam Ben Yedder, who came within inches of scoring against his former club.
There was no reaction in the second half, Monaco were lethargic and devoid of ideas. Ben Yedder went close again with a volley that went wide, but it was Toulouse who took the lead after a goalmouth scramble, which finished with substitute Zakaria Aboukhlal poking home.
Breel Embolo then went close, but his dink was saved on the line. However, as the clock ticked down, Monaco began to look more dangerous, and Ben Yedder did get on the scoresheet with a tap-in. It was the introduction of Maghnes Akliouche that made the difference, and the academy product almost gave Monaco the lead just minutes later, but having cut inside, his curling effort struck the foot of the post and crucially went wide. Three minutes later, Akliouche struck the other post, but not only would Monaco not secure the three points, they wouldn’t even take one.
Rhys Healey, who has missed the entire season with an ACL injury, made his return, coming on late, and scoring the winning goal. Delight for Healey, but despair for Monaco, who miss out on European football.
Monaco player ratings
Alexander Nübel – 6 – The German goalkeeper, right at the end of his loan spell from Bayern Munich, has hit a purple patch. His lack of decisiveness earlier in the season is arguably part of the reason why Monaco found themselves in the position they did going into the final game of the season. He made a big double save in the first half, but arguably could have done better for Zakaria Aboukhlal’s opener.
Caio Henrique – 4
Guillermo Maripán – 7 – Made a handful of crucial interceptions in the first half when Toulouse had worked numerical advantages. Equally well-positioned to block passing lanes and neutralise some dangerous situations.
Axel Disasi – 4
Ruben Aguilar – 5
Takumi Minamino – 3 – Another anonymous performance from the former Liverpool man, whose only notable involvements were losing the ball in dangerous situations, and consequently putting his own defence under considerable pressure. A night – and a season – to forget for the Japanese international.
Mohamed Camara – 5
Youssouf Fofana – 4
Vanderson – 5
Wissam Ben Yedder – 6 – Looked dangerous against his former club, playing nicely off the shoulder of the last man. He almost got on the scoresheet in the first half and would have done if not for a fine Dupé save. He did get his name on the scoresheet in the second half with a predatory tap-in.
Eliesse Ben Seghir – 4
