Club Brugge started their UEFA Champions League campaign strongly with a 4-1 win against Monaco. This was their third win in five meetings against Monaco.
After comfortably qualifying for the Champions League by beating Rangers, Club Brugge looked to start well. Early on, Carlos Forbs showed great strength and speed to break through Monaco’s defence and set up a chance, but Christos Tzolis narrowly missed.
Despite controlling the early part of the game, Club Brugge were annoyed when Monaco were given a penalty on their first attack. Takumi Minamino set up Mika Biereth, who was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. However, Mignolet redeemed himself by saving the penalty from Maghnes Akliouche.
Mignolet had to leave the game after an injury shortly after. Even so, Brugge took control and dominated the rest of the first half. Nicolo Tresoldi scored his first Champions League goal in the 32nd minute after a pass from Hans Vanaken.
Minutes later, Brugge scored again when Monaco failed to clear a corner, allowing Raphael Onyedika to score. Vanaken then added a third goal with a great volley before half-time.
With a three-goal lead, Brugge eased off in the second half, and Monaco struggled to create chances. Aleksandar Stankovic nearly scored a fourth but missed narrowly.
Monaco conceded again with 15 minutes left when Mamadou Diakhon scored after a quick counter-attack. Ansu Fati scored a late consolation goal for Monaco, but it was too little too late.
The defeat was tough for Monaco, who will need to improve before hosting Manchester City. Club Brugge remain unbeaten in their last seven home games and have started their Champions League campaign well before travelling to Atalanta next.
