La Real had not tasted defeat in the last 17 games but tonight Monaco had the txuri urdin against the ropes and secured their place in the next round of the UEFA Europa League. Real Sociedad dug in and fought until the end but were unable to turn around Monaco's 2-1 lead at the Louis II. Thus, they must beat PSV at the Reale Arena to continue in the competition.
It was a very even game in which the realistas were not as sharp as usual, whereas Monaco made the most of mistakes by the txuri urdin. Januzaj tried his luck twice but his left footed shots missed the target. Then, the hosts took the lead through Volland. La Real went in search of an equaliser and seven minutes later Isak scored after a fluid move involving Januzaj. And, with scarcely enough time for the goal to sink in, Fofaná settled the match with a dead ball.
In the second-half the txuri urdin raised their game. They were together and had more confidence, but it wasn't enough as the hosts began their counter attacks. Isak fired a crossed shot but the ball hit a defender and went just wide. La Real lost a bit of confidence and didn't find the goals to turn the match around. In injury time, Oyarzabal had a good chance to turn the scoreboard around but his shot from long range didn’t find the back of the net.
In two weeks, la Real must win against PSV Eindhoven at the Reale Arena in order to continue in the UEFA Europa League. Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
AS Monaco: Nubel, Sidibé, Maripán, Badiashile (Disasi, min.68), Caio Henrique, Fofaná, Jean Lucas, Golovin (Matazo, min.91), Diop (Gelson, min.76), Ben Yedder (cap) (Boadu, min.76) and Volland (Matsima, min.91).
Real Sociedad: Ryan, Zaldua (Gorosabel, min.46), Aritz (cap), Le Normand, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino (Turrientes, min.66), Silva (Barrenetxea, min.46), Januzaj (Portu, min.75), Oyarzabal (cap) and Isak (Sorloth, min.74).
Goals: 1-0: Volland, min.28. 1-1: Isak, min.35. 2-1: Fofaná, min.37
Referee: Kruzliak (Eslovaquia). Booked Maripán and Golovin for AS Monaco and Zaldua, Januzaj and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad. Sent off Fofaná in the minute 89.