Monaco’s miraculous rescue of Golovin in the Champions League. But the Russian himself had better forget this match.
Anatoly Romanov October 3, 2024, 00:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Monegasques defended themselves with a score of 0:2 and Alexander was substituted at half-time.
Alexander Golovin’s Monaco continues to surprise in the Champions League. After defeating Barcelona (2-1) in the first round, the Monagas miraculously recovered in Zagreb. But the local Dynamo seemed perhaps the weakest team in the tournament.
If Golovin did not make it to the starting eleven for the match against Barça because he was not yet in optimal shape after an injury, in the second round he entered the starting eleven. However, this time the opponent was on a completely different level. Dinamo, let us remember, began with an embarrassing 2-9 defeat against Bayern.
Golovin occupied the left midfield position in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Since the Croats played in a 5-4-1, the Russian legionnaire, as a rule, opposed the opponent’s right back or right center back. By the way, the defeat in Munich led to a change of coach at Dynamo. Returning to Zagreb is Nenad Bjelica, who won two league titles with the team several years ago and, more recently, managed Union in the Bundesliga.
Already in the second minute, Golovin had the opportunity to score, when, after a deep shot, he entered the local area through the center. But Alexander did not reach the ball and almost struggled with the opponent who grabbed it. And the first real scoring opportunity was created by the Croatians thanks to a set piece. Monaco helped prevent a missed goal… a puddle in the goalkeeper’s box. In Zagreb it was raining a lot and the wet grass made it very difficult to move the ball. First of all, to the coldest Monegasques. However, in this case, the puddle slowed down the ball and the Monaco defender took it off the goal line.
In this climate, Bjelica’s team simplified the game, attacking on the wings or looking for long passes to the tall center forward of the Croatian team Petkovic. And Monaco’s attacking play was not going well at all. It is true that one day Minamino had a great moment. The Japanese found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper right in the center, avoiding the offside due to the ball coming to him from an opponent. In such situations it is easier to score than to miss, however, Minamino committed the failure of the season in Monaco: he managed to shoot directly at goalkeeper Nevistic.
But Dinamo scored in added time of the first half. The hosts launched a counterattack from their own half of the field, and the Monaco defenders had difficulty controlling the Dynamo players who had gained speed on the wet pitch. In the end, Sucic, after receiving a pass from Baturina, with a skillful movement eliminated the defender in the area and passed the ball over goalkeeper Koen. A beautiful goal.
After the break, Golovin did not appear on the field: the Monaco coach made a double change, removing the Russian legionnaire and the center forward Embolo. It must be admitted that Adi Hütter made decisions that suggested themselves. The leaders of the Monegasque attack played a mediocre game. Golovin statistics: 26 touches of the ball (including two in another’s area), 89% accurate passes, 0 shots and passes under attack, one dribble, two out of three battles won, one tackle and one foul. Obviously, Alexander still needs time to return to his best form. And the grass was extremely uncomfortable for the Russian midfielder.
How Golovin and his team eliminated Barça at the start of the Champions League:
The main sensation of the 1st day of the Champions League! Monaco and Golovin punished Barcelona! Video
However, the changes and the release of two new forwards, Balogun and Ilenikena, did not strengthen Monaco’s game. The Monegasques were drowning in the rain in Zagreb. Dinamo’s counterattacks were sharper. And in the middle of the second half, a miraculous goal was created by the hosts of the “ten” Baturin, nicknamed “the new Modric”. In a quick counterattack, the 21-year-old midfielder took off two marks, improved his position and hit a brilliant shot from the semicircle.
Monaco returned the standard to the game, added to an error by the Dynamo goalkeeper. After the corner, Nevistic, who came out, collided with his teammate Bernauer (curiously French) and fell. The Monegasque central defender Salisu gained the air and scored with a header.
The match did not give the impression that Monaco could avoid defeat. But in the end Hütter’s team crushed the Croatians and still scored the second goal. First, Minamino wasted another good opportunity: he headed the ball off Torrente’s line after being hit. And in the 89th minute, Bernauer unknowingly followed the game of his compatriots: he cut Balogun in the area and “brought” a penalty. Zakaria saved Monaco with a precise shot from the penalty spot under the crossbar.
