When AS Monaco walked onto the Coupe de la Ligue quarter‑finalAllianz Riviera in Nice, few expected a victory. Yet a blistering two‑minute strike from Thomas Lemar, the French midfielder, set the tone, and a second‑half finish by Mohamed Diakhaby sealed a 2‑1 win over OGC Nice. Managed by Leonardo Jardim, the Monegasques broke a years‑long hoodoo at Nice’s home ground, advancing to the semi‑finals scheduled for Jan 30‑31.
Background to the Quarter‑Final
Both clubs entered the match with contrasting fortunes. Monaco, perched 8th in Ligue 1, had endured a string of under‑whelming cup outings at the Riviera, losing three of their last four visits. Nice, under Lucien Favre, were enjoying a dominant home run, averaging 58% possession in the league and sitting comfortably in the top‑four.
The stakes were clear: a place in the semi‑finals meant a potential ticket to the prestigious final at the Stade de France, plus a lucrative TV share that could boost Monaco’s already tight budget.
Match Overview: Key Moments
Kick‑off and early breakthrough
Within 120 seconds, the ball swung wide to the right wing where Keita Baldé surged forward, earned a free‑kick, and curled a perfect cross to Lemar’s far post. The French international timed his run impeccably and side‑footed the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Benaglio.
Nice’s response
Favre’s side pressed hard. In the 17th minute, forward Benjamin Pléa slipped past defender Jemerson and slotted a low drive into the near post, leveling the score. The equaliser sparked a surge of Nice possession – they held the ball 62% of the time in the first half.
Monaco’s second strike
At the 37th minute, Baldé again toured the right flank, delivering a low, driven ball into the box. Diakhaby timed his leap, met the cross at the penalty spot, and thumped a first‑time finish past Benaglio’s outstretched hand, restoring the lead just before the break.
The second half was comparatively quiet. Nice’s best chance came when Isaac Lees‑Melou found space on the edge of the box and headed toward the left post, only to see the ball skim off the post and rebound harmlessly.
Tactical Breakdown
Jardim’s game plan hinged on swift transitions. By compressing the midfield and forcing Nice into wide areas, Monaco created space for Baldé’s overlapping runs. The Red & White’s defensive shape remained compact – a four‑man block that forced Nice to work around the perimeters, limiting the effectiveness of Favre’s possession‑heavy approach.
Statistically, Monaco registered 8 shots (5 on target) while Nice managed 14 (7 on target). Possession tilted 55‑45 in favor of Nice, but Monaco’s pass accuracy (84% vs. 78% for Nice) highlighted Jardim’s disciplined approach.
- Attendance: 18,742 spectators
- Thomas Lemar’s goal came at 1:56 min
- Mohamed Diakhaby’s strike at 37:02 min
- Possession: Nice 55%, Monaco 45%
- Shots: Nice 14 (7 on target), Monaco 8 (5 on target)
Reactions from Managers and Players
After the final whistle, Jardim praised his squad’s mental strength: “We knew the odds were stacked against us at the Riviera. The boys kept their heads, executed the plan, and deserved this win.”
Favre, visibly disappointed, admitted his side missed the decisive moments: “We dominated phases, but the balls didn’t go in. Monaco were clinical, and that’s the harsh reality of cup football.”
Lemar, who struck the opening goal, described the moment as “a bolt from the blue” and added, “Scoring early gave us belief. The team stayed hungry.”
What the Win Means for Monaco
Beyond the immediate joy of advancing, the victory injects a morale boost at a crucial stage of the season. Financially, the semi‑final guarantees at least €1.5 million in TV revenue – a welcome addition to Monaco’s €150 million annual budget, especially after a winter transfer window that saw the club spend modestly.
The result also re‑establishes Monaco as a cup threat. Historically, the club has lifted the Coupe de la Ligue six times, with the latest triumph in 2017. A semi‑final appearance re‑opens the conversation about a potential return to that glory.
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
Monaco now turns its focus to Ligue 1 Matchday 20, traveling to face Montpellier on Saturday at 20:00. The short turnaround will test the squad’s depth, but the confidence from the cup win could translate into league points.
Nice, meanwhile, will regroup for their next league clash against Stade Rennais. Favre emphasized that the loss will serve as motivation to bounce back.
Key Facts
- Coupe de la Ligue quarter‑final ended 2‑1 to AS Monaco.
- Goals: Thomas Lemar (2') and Mohamed Diakhaby (37').
- OGC Nice equaliser by Benjamin Pléa (17').
- Match held at Allianz Riviera, Nice.
- Monaco to face Montpellier in Ligue 1 next weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Monaco’s chances in the Coupe de la Ligue?
Advancing to the semi‑final puts Monaco one win away from the final, where a trophy would boost club prestige and deliver a €3 million prize. It also improves their seeding for potential European competition slots.
What were the key tactical changes introduced by Leonardo Jardim?
Jardim switched to a 4‑3‑3 with a high‑pressing front three, relying on Keita Baldé’s wing‑back to supply quick crosses. The midfield stayed compact, forcing Nice to play wide and creating space for counter‑attacks.
Will the result change the Ligue 1 title race?
While Monaco remains outside the top three, the confidence from the cup win could translate into points against Montpellier. A victory there would narrow the gap to the league leaders by two points.
How did OGC Nice’s performance compare to their league form?
Nice dominated possession as usual, but their conversion rate (1 goal from 14 shots) lagged behind their season average of 0.36 goals per shot. The lack of clinical finishing cost them a spot in the semi‑final.
When is the semi‑final scheduled and who could Monaco face?
The semi‑final is set for Jan 30 or 31, 2024. Monaco could meet either Paris Saint‑Germain, who beat Lyon, or Marseille, who upset Rennes in their quarter‑final.
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