Aston Villa Lose to Monaco, Still Eye Knockouts

Aston Villa missed a chance to almost secure their spot in the Champions League knockout stage, losing 1-0 to Monaco at Stade Louis II. Wilfried Singo scored the only goal in the eighth minute heading in from close range after Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez initially saved Thilo Kehrer’s effort. Villa struggled to find their rhythm but created opportunities to equalize. Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki denied Leon Bailey with a solid save and later stopped Ollie Watkins’ attempt after Emiliano Buendia set him up.

Monaco had a goal ruled out early in the second half when the assistant referee flagged Maghnes Akliouche offside but Monaco remained the more dangerous side. They created several chances, getting behind Villa’s defense but Villa made last-ditch blocks to keep the scoreline unchanged. The defeat means Villa now must beat Celtic at Villa Park next Wednesday to secure a top-eight finish in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Monaco’s victory boosted their own qualification hopes, leveling them with Villa on 13 points. Villa’s performance will feel like a missed opportunity especially given Monaco’s poor form with just one win in their previous eight matches. Villa has also struggled on the road lately, suffering six defeats in their last nine away games before this match. Despite introducing Jhon Duran as a second-half substitute, Villa couldn’t generate enough attacking flow.

Their sloppy passing allowed Monaco to counter-attack. Manager Unai Emery visibly showed his frustration with his team’s performance in the later stages of the match. Although the loss was disappointing, Aston Villa remains well-positioned to progress in what has been a strong debut season in the competition. A win in their final group game will secure their place in the knockout rounds.