UEFA Champions League 2025: Inter Milan vs AS Monaco
The UEFA Champions League returned with intensity in January 2025, as AS Monaco faced a daunting challenge against Italian giants Inter Milan. Played at the iconic San Siro, the match saw Inter deliver a commanding performance, beating Monaco 3-0, and dealing a significant blow to the French side’s Champions League ambitions. While Monaco showed sparks of promise, individual mistakes, a lack of composure, and Inter's clinical finishing proved decisive.
A Critical Fixture for Both Sides
Heading into the match, both teams were under pressure to secure qualification from their group. Inter Milan, buoyed by their consistent Serie A form, sought to finish top of the group, while Monaco, who had impressed during the early stages, needed at least a point to secure passage to the Round of 16.
Monaco manager Adi Hütter, known for his attacking philosophy, fielded an aggressive eleven featuring Wissam Ben Yedder, Takumi Minamino, and Aleksandr Golovin. Meanwhile, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi relied on his trusted duo, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, to lead the line.
Early Drama Sets the Tone
The match took a decisive turn within the first 15 minutes. Monaco, initially trying to control possession, were caught off guard by Inter’s high pressing. In the 5th minute, Marcus Thuram’s run was halted by Denis Zakaria, earning Inter a penalty. Lautaro Martínez calmly converted to make it 1-0.
Just seven minutes later, 18-year-old Chrislain Mawissa fouled Thuram in a dangerous position. The referee showed him a straight red card, reducing Monaco to ten men. With more than 75 minutes left, the French side’s hopes were in jeopardy.
Inter Milan Dominate Possession
With a numerical advantage, Inter dictated play. Midfielders Çalhanoğlu and Barella controlled the tempo, forcing Monaco to defend deep. Lautaro struck again in the 19th minute, finishing a slick move between Thuram and Mkhitaryan.
Monaco’s midfield duo of Zakaria and Fofana struggled to cope, leaving their forwards isolated. Inter’s backline, marshaled by Bastoni and de Vrij, neutralized every counterattack with ease.
Monaco's Attacking Struggles
Reduced to ten men, Monaco’s attacking plan collapsed. Ben Yedder and Minamino dropped deep to help defend, while Golovin’s long-range effort was their only chance of the half. Inter, on the other hand, constantly threatened with fluid passing and incisive movement.
Goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki made several key saves to keep Monaco in the game, preventing further humiliation before halftime.
Martínez Completes His Hat-Trick
The second half continued with Inter firmly in control. Monaco tried to regroup with substitutions, but the Italians remained patient. In the 68th minute, Çalhanoğlu’s long shot was parried, and Lautaro Martínez pounced to complete his hat-trick.
The San Siro erupted as Inter confirmed their superiority. For Lautaro, it was another statement performance, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.
Statistical Overview
- Possession: Inter 64% – 36% Monaco
- Total Shots: Inter 20 – 4 Monaco
- Shots on Target: Inter 7 – 1 Monaco
- Goals: Inter 3 – 0 Monaco
- Red Cards: Inter 0 – 1 Monaco
- Corners: Inter 5 – 0 Monaco
- Pass Accuracy: Inter 89% – 76% Monaco
Monaco’s only shot on target came late in the match, when substitute Eliesse Ben Seghir forced a routine save from Yann Sommer.
Post-Match Reactions
"The boys played with great intensity and focus. Lautaro was exceptional, and the whole team executed the plan perfectly. We’ve secured first place in the group, and now we can look ahead to the knockout stages." – Simone Inzaghi
"The early red card changed the entire dynamic. Playing at San Siro with 10 men is one of the toughest tasks in football. But this defeat doesn’t define our season. We will regroup and fight on." – Adi Hütter
"We need to keep our heads high. We’ve made mistakes tonight, but our journey in Europe is not over." – Wissam Ben Yedder
What This Means for Monaco
The defeat pushed Monaco to third in the group, meaning they now face a Europa League playoff in February. A campaign that began with promise has turned into a struggle. Back in Ligue 1, Monaco remain in the title race, but inconsistency has plagued their progress. For Hütter, keeping his young squad motivated will be crucial.
Inter Milan, A Serious Contender?
Inter’s win confirmed their status as one of Europe’s most in-form sides. Lautaro’s goals, combined with tactical discipline and a strong defense, make them dangerous opponents for any team in the knockout stages. With depth across the squad and a coach who has built stability, Inter look ready to chase continental glory.
Final Thoughts
Monaco’s night in Milan was a harsh reminder of the fine margins in elite football. A reckless challenge and a red card left them exposed against one of Europe’s strongest sides. Their European dream lives on, but the path ahead is much tougher.
For Inter, the 3-0 victory was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent. With experience, tactical maturity, and individual brilliance, the Nerazzurri are poised to make a deep run in this year’s Champions League.
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