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SportsMonaco Suffer 0-2 Pre-Season Friendly Defeat to Sporting Portugal
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Monaco suffered a 0-2 defeat to Sporting Portugal in a pre-season friendly match in Lisbon on Saturday. The Ligue 1 side, missing several key players including Paul Pogba (on crutches) and World Cup participants Balogun, Camara, Zakaria, and Akliouche, were outclassed throughout the match. Sporting dominated from the start, with Geny Catamo hitting the post early and Lukas Hradecky making saves. After a goalless first half, Rafael Nel opened the scoring with a diving header in the 54th minute following a one-touch collective sequence. Jesse Derry added a second goal with a curled shot in the 68th minute. Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn made several interventions to prevent a heavier defeat, and Sporting's Silas Andersen hit the crossbar late on. The result highlighted Monaco's lack of readiness compared to Sporting, who resume competition earlier. Monaco's next pre-season match is scheduled against Cercle Bruges on Friday.
Source report
AS Monaco's second pre-season friendly proved to be a far sterner test than their first, as they were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by Sporting Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday.
Match Overview
After a comfortable 5-2 victory against Saint-Priest (N1) last weekend, Filipe Luis's side faced a significantly stronger opponent in Sporting, who are further along in their pre-season preparations. Monaco, missing Paul Pogba (on crutches), were outclassed and dominated in almost every aspect of the match.
First Half
Sporting started strongly, with Geny Catamo hitting the post in the 16th minute. Lukas Hradecky then intervened to deny Flavio Gonçalves (17th minute) as pressure mounted on the Monaco box. Although Mika Biereth mishandled a dangerous ball in the 39th minute, the Portuguese side controlled proceedings heading into half-time.
Second Half
The pattern continued after the restart. Rafael Nel opened the scoring with a diving header in the 54th minute, following a remarkable one-touch collective move. After a wave of substitutions, Jesse Derry doubled Sporting's lead with a curled shot in the 68th minute.
Late Stages
With several young players on the pitch, Monaco risked a heavier defeat. Goalkeeper Philipp Köhn made crucial interventions, and Sporting's Silas Andersen hit the crossbar with a header in the 86th minute, sparing Monaco further damage.
Looking Ahead
While awaiting the return of their World Cup participants (Balogun, Camara, Zakaria, and Akliouche), Monaco will continue their preparations. Their next friendly is scheduled for Friday at 5 PM against Cercle Bruges.
Source
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Monaco Outclassed by Sporting Portugal in Pre-Season Friendly