Monaco, hung by Eindhoven, remains at the top of Group B
With eight points, Niko Kovac’s men did not squander the benefit of their victory on Dutch soil (2-1) two weeks ago.
However, this time, Monaco never managed to show qualities of speed, in counterattack as in placed attack.
As in the other meeting of the group, the Real Sociedad failed to win in front of the Austrians at Sturm Graz, Monaco still have two points ahead of the Spaniards, next opponents at the Stade Louis-II on November 25 for a top match. In case of victory, Monaco will then be assured of finishing first in their group.
As on the go, Kovac has therefore decided to leave his captain and scorer, Wissam Ben Yedder, on the bench, to give confidence to the young recruit Myron Boadu. Unfortunately for Monaco, he and his partners were too roughed up during the first half to offer a presentable performance.
Monaco never managed to approach the goals of Joël Drommel and even less to send a strike on target.
Even without his offensive nuggets, the Englishman Noni Madueke and the Dutchman Cody Gakpo, injured, even without his world champion Mario Götze, sick, PSV Eindhoven were masters of the game in front of their 900 supporters, also masters of the Stade Louis-II.
Three changes at half-time
Alone, Benoît Badiashile, defensive fighter managed to keep the Monegasque house upright.
But after the failed match in Brest (0-2) last Sunday, this half was too much. At the break, Kovac certainly raised his voice very loudly. In any case, he was radical. He went from a 3-5-2 to a progressive 4-4-2 and, most importantly, made three changes.
Jean Lucas, non-existent, Axel disasi, uninspired, and Ruben Aguilar, harmless, have been replaced by Djibril Sidibé, Alexandre Golovine and Sofiane Diop.
Shortly after, the latter, with a good deviation, allowed Boadu to find himself alone in front of the opposing goalkeeper (51st). But his procrastination is a sign of his current lack of confidence. He was replaced by Ben Yedder (66th).
The next minute, a header from Aurélien Tchouameni could have allowed the Red and Whites to lead. But the Brazilian captain and central defender André Ramalho was watching to get the ball out of his head (67th).
Less dominant, the Dutch, for their part, continue to develop an attacking game, to try to win. Without success. But like Monaco, Eindhoven can still believe in a qualification. For that, it will certainly be necessary to win its last two games.