Monaco held firm to secure a fantastic 1-0 victory on Tuesday night, moving the Monegasques level on 13 points with Aston Villa in the Champions League league phase.
The result means the hosts climb into ninth place, though that may change with other sides still to play, while the Villans are currently in seventh place heading into the final matchday.
Although Aston Villa appeared to have the brighter start, Monaco capitalized on a sloppy piece of play from the visitors as they raced into the lead inside 10 minutes when their first corner of the match saw Emiliano Martinez initially stop Thilo Kehrer's header, only for Wilfried Singo to react fastest and head the hosts into the lead.
Opportunities were aplenty for both sides following the opener, and Monaco thought they had doubled the lead five minutes after the second half restart through Maghnes Akliouche, but the goal was swiftly ruled out for offside as the scores remained 1-0.
While the game remained open, with both teams continuing to create goalscoring chances, neither side were able to add to the scoring as Monaco stood strong in defence and held on to their 1-0 scoreline as the referee blew the final whistle.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Monaco and Adi Hutter will be absolutely delighted with their performance and result, securing just their second victory in their last nine matches against an Aston Villa side that were undefeated in their last five coming into the game.
After a string of errors in recent weeks, Monaco were error-free tonight, with their defence particularly impressive with the likes of Singo and Radoslaw Majecki showing their quality on several occasions.
They will be frustrated to not have capitalised on more of their chances, often failing to find the right pass or simply squandering the opportunity, but they will regardless be pleased with the three points.
As for Aston Villa, Unai Emery's side looked a shadow of their usual selves, failing to impose themselves from set-pieces while also struggling to penetrate the Monaco defence from open play.
The Villans will take solace from the fact that three points against Celtic on the final matchday will likely be enough to place in the top eight, but tonight will feel like a major opportunity missed for Aston Villa.
MONACO VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Wilfried Singo goal vs. Aston Villa (8th min, Monaco 1-0 Aston Villa)
Aston Villa go behind inside ten minutes 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 21, 2025
Wilfried Singo is alert to head Emiliano Martínez's initial save over the line, giving Monaco an early lead!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/CXdtEKFdl2
Monaco have an early lead, Singo heads the hosts in front!
Aston Villa sloppily give possession away through Tyrone Mings, and Eliesse Ben Seghir looks to strike from outside the area, but Ezri Konsa manages to block his shot out for a corner.
Lamine Camara's corner is met by Kehrer, and his header is brilliantly stopped by Martinez, but Singo reacts fastest and crashes the rebound into the back of the net to give Monaco the lead.
MAN OF THE MATCH - WILFRIED SINGO
© Imago
Singo has earned a strong reputation for his performances since joining Monaco in the summer of 2023, and the defender produced another spectacular performance tonight.
Not only did the defender react fastest to head home Monaco's only goal of the game, but he was also a formidable force in defence for the home side, consistently denying Aston Villa's attackers.
The 24-year-old recorded two tackles, won six duels and made 16 clearances throughout the game, while also helping to build from the back with 28 accurate passes, three of which were long balls.
MONACO VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Monaco 39%-61% Aston Villa
Shots: Monaco 12-10 Aston Villa
Shots on target: Monaco 4-5 Aston Villa
Corners: Monaco 4-7 Aston Villa
Fouls: Monaco 14-14 Aston Villa
BEST STATS
𝐇𝐓: 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐨 𝟏-𝟎 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) January 21, 2025
Monaco are on course to go level on 13 points with Villa after an entertaining first half.
It's the first time in the Champions League this season that Villa have trailed at half-time. pic.twitter.com/kloI1mG53v
Among Wilfried Singo's 56 defensive actions for Monaco against Aston Villa have been 16 clearances.
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) January 21, 2025
Only three outfielders have managed more clearances in a Champions League match since 2016. pic.twitter.com/XeRI75WUce
WHAT NEXT?
Monaco's attention will briefly turn to Ligue 1 as they play host to Rennes on Saturday afternoon, before taking on Inter in the final Champions League league phase match next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are also set for a return to league action with a matchup against West Ham United on Sunday, followed by hosting Celtic at Villa Park in the Champions League next Wednesday.
Ellis Stevens
