PLAYER RATINGS | Reims 1-1 Monaco (3-1 pens.): Wasteful Monégasques knocked out of Coupe de France | OneFootball

Coupe de France, Round of 32, 14/01/25

A wasteful AS Monaco were knocked out of the Coupe de France by Stade de Reims (1-1, 3-1 pens.), who held on in 90 minutes before then going on to win the penalty shootout.

The Match

The tone was immediately set by Breel Embolo, who missed the first of many big Monaco chances. He wasn’t the only one, however, with Eliesse Ben Seghir also missing a big chance within the first five minutes in what was a hectic start that also included a big miss from Junya Ito. The Japan international dragged wide when it looked easier to score.

Takumi Minamino then had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for offside. Replays showed it was a very tight call, one that could not be questioned with VAR not in operation during this round of the Coupe de France.

They were punished before the break with Cédric Kipré nodding in a Teddy Teuma free-kick. New signing Mika Biereth and Jordan Teze came on at the break and made a difference as Monaco began to dominate. But it was a similar story. Embolo missed another chance, as did Minamino before Mohammed Salisu did what the strikers could not, heading home Biereth’s ball into the box to drag the Principality club level.

Monaco will bemoan a refereeing decision after Minamino was brought down in the box. Replays showed a clear fould but VAR of course was not available to correct the initial decision.

Reims also stole it at the death with Oumar Diakité missing a sitter just six yards out. He didn’t get enough on his header whilst, even deeper in injury time, Embolo missed another golden chance with his head, only heading straight at Yehvann Diouf when unmarked.

The game therefore went to penalties and Monaco crumbled under the pressure. Les Monégasques missed all three of their first spot-kicks (Caio Henrique, Biereth, Lamine Camara). Kipré had the chance to finish but hit wide before Diakité did then land the definitive blow, sending Reims through to the Round of 16 at Monaco’s expense. The Principality club have now lost five out of their last six penalty shootouts.

Monaco player ratings

Philipp Köhn – 4

Kassoum Ouattara – 5

Mohammed Salisu – 4

Wilfried Singo – N/A

Replaced by Thilo Kehrer (4) after suffering an injury early on.

Vanderson – 5

Soungoutou Magassa – 3

Sloppy in the first half committing fouls in dangerous areas of the pitch, including for Reims’ opener. He was replaced by Jordan Teze (7) at half-time. Since arriving, Teze has struggled in his traditional position at right-back, but put in the midfield pivot, excelled, keeping things tidy and positioning himself well to cut out counters. His best game in a Monaco shirt.

Lamine Camara – 5

Eliesse Ben Seghir – 4

He set the tone for Monaco’s wasteful first half, missing a glaring chance, entirely of his own making, early on. He was replaced at half-time by Mika Biereth (5), brought on for his Monaco debut. He made a difference after coming on and got the assist for the equaliser, however, then went on to miss his penalty.

Takumi Minamino – 4

Lucas Michal – 6

Breel Embolo – 2

Same story, different day. The Swiss international showed clearly why Monaco have recruited a goal-scorer in the form of Biereth this month. He missed three big chances once again, even if he was valuable in build-up, it was an individual performance that proved costly for Les Monégasques.

Reims selected player ratings

Teddy Teuma – 6

Cédric Kipré – 7

Yehvann Diouf – 7

The hero of the penalty shoot-out, making two important saves to ensure Reims’ progression to the next round. He was present when called upon during the 90 minutes, even if Monaco could have done more to truly test him.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle