Monaco started fast and direct, and were ahead after just three minutes when Paris Brunner finished a quick move, assisted by Stanis Idumbo Muzambo. The visitors kept finding space, creating three big chances in the first half while CSKA created none. Ansu Fati doubled the lead on 43 minutes, finishing a flowing attack initiated by a Sadibou Sané regain and a Paris Brunner assist. At halftime it was 0-2, with Monaco ahead on xG in the opening period, 1.11 to 0.60.

CSKA had volume but not incision before the break, taking 10 shots without putting any on target. They did win seven first-half corners and reached the final third 32 times, yet the final action lacked accuracy. On the duels ledger, Monaco’s superiority was clear early, winning 63% of first-half contests and 6 of 9 aerials. That physical edge, combined with four shots on target to CSKA’s zero, set the platform for the away win.

CSKA’s pressure flips the second half

After the interval, CSKA were the better side. They owned 55% of the ball in the second half, outshot Monaco 11-2 and produced five shots on target to the visitors’ one. The hosts also posted a stronger second-half xG, 0.68 to 0.21, reflecting sustained territory and chance creation. Their breakthrough came on 76 minutes, when Stefano Sensi’s outswinging corner was headed in by substitute Joël Zwarts.

CSKA stacked set pieces and pressure, finishing with 12 corners to Monaco’s 1 and 56 final-third entries to 34. Sensi was busy, creating six key passes across the night, although one first-half mistake had earlier proved costly. Hrádecký made four saves to keep the margin intact, and Monaco’s defensive unit put up a huge 34 clearances compared to CSKA’s 4. The visitors also had a scare when Denis Zakaria hit the woodwork, a reminder they could still threaten on the counter.

The numbers behind Monaco’s away win

Possession finished level at 50-50, and shots read 21-10 to CSKA, yet shots on target were even at 5-5. By expected goals it was tight too, Monaco 1.32 to CSKA’s 1.28, and the visitors led xGOT 1.40 to 0.90. That blend of chance quality and shot placement underscores why Monaco were two up by halftime. Big chances favored Monaco 4-2, and big chances scored ended 2-1 for the visitors.

Monaco were cleaner in the fine details: they won 58% of all duels, completed 13 of 21 dribbles, and posted a 72% tackle win rate. CSKA’s crossing volume was high but efficiency low, completing 8 of 34 (24%), while Monaco hit 2 of 4 (50%). The home side also fired nine shots off target and saw seven attempts blocked, while Monaco’s clearances count soared to 34 during the late siege. Goalkeeping numbers added context: Hrádecký logged four saves, while Fedor Lapoukhov ended with three and negative goals prevented on the night.

MVP: Ansu Fati leads the line

Selected as Sofascore’s MVP, Ansu Fati delivered a rounded display with a Sofascore Rating of 8.1. He scored Monaco’s second just before halftime, a strike that proved decisive once the match tightened. Beyond the goal, Fati stitched play together with 46 passes at 87% accuracy, including 25 completed in the opposition half. He also made one key pass and contributed on the press and counter with eight ball recoveries.

The forward carried the ball 20 times with meaningful progression, helping Monaco advance under pressure. He mixed technique with work rate, winning six duels and adding a tackle and a block to his tally. With 60 touches in 77 minutes, Fati stayed involved across phases, not just in finishing moves. It was the kind of away-day performance that balances end product and teamwork, and it set the tone for a valuable Conference League win.

Other standouts on the night