Few clear chances at the Stade Louis II as Juventus finish the league phase in 13th place and move on to the Champions League playoffs.
Juventus played out a goalless draw away to Monaco on Matchday 8 of the Champions League, a result that secured the Bianconeri a place in the playoff round but did little to excite. In a match short on quality and clear-cut opportunities, Monaco looked the more dangerous side for long stretches, while Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus struggled to impose themselves offensively.
The draw confirmed Juventus’ 13th-place finish in the league phase, enough to keep their European campaign alive, even if the performance raised questions ahead of the knockout stage.
Monaco came out strong and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes. Akliouche found himself with an open goal after a costly mistake in buildup by Mattia Perin, but the Monaco midfielder badly mishit his first-time effort and sent it wide. The hosts continued to press, capitalizing on Juventus’ early sloppiness.
Perin quickly redeemed himself with a crucial save on Vanderson, who had worked space inside the penalty area from a tight angle. The Brazilian full-back tried again shortly after with a long-range effort, once more denied by the Juventus goalkeeper.
Juventus’ first real chance came through Loïs Openda, who was released in behind the defense but dragged his shot just wide. The Belgian striker remained the main attacking outlet for the visitors, though his influence was limited.
Early in the second half, Openda had another opportunity, this time meeting a cross from McKennie, but he failed to make clean contact. Monaco responded with Balogun, who cut inside from a wide position and fired a low shot straight at Perin.
The final moments saw Monaco pushing for a winner, with Zhegrova trying his luck from distance in stoppage time, but his effort sailed over the bar. In the end, neither side found the breakthrough, and the match ended scoreless.
Match Report: Monaco 0–0 Juventus
Scorers:
None
Monaco (4-2-3-1):
Köhn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Teze, Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche (Bamba 77’), Coulibaly (Bamba 77’), Golovin (Ouattara 89’); Balogun.
Head coach: Pocognoli.
Juventus (4-2-3-1):
Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cabal (Cambiaso 75’); Koopmeiners (Zhegrova 73’), Thuram (David 83’); McKennie, Miretti (Adzic 45’), Conceição (Yildiz 45’); Openda.
Head coach: Luciano Spalletti.
Referee: José María Sánchez
Yellow cards: Kehrer, Camara (Monaco); Yildiz, Adzic (Juventus)
