France's football clubs "Monaco" and "Marseille" secured significant victories in the sixth round of the Champions League group stage. "Monaco" defeated "Galatasaray" at home with a narrow margin, while "Marseille" triumphed over "Union Saint-Gilloise" in Brussels.
"Monaco" controlled possession from the early moments of the match and began applying pressure on the opponent. Golovin and Minamino identified gaps between the defensive lines of the Turkish team and orchestrated attacks.
In the first half, "Monaco" created several dangerous opportunities. Notably, Akliouche's attempt from the flank to the bottom corner was saved by "Galatasaray" goalkeeper Cakir, who managed to deflect it to the corner.
In the second half, "Monaco" intensified its pressure. Zakaria failed to convert a penalty, with his shot aimed slightly left of center being blocked by Cakir's knee.
However, "Monaco" regrouped and continued their offensive, eventually scoring in the 68th minute from a set piece. A short corner delivery led to a cross into the penalty area, where Balogun scored from two meters out.
"Galatasaray" mainly responded with long-range shots and occasional counterattacks. In the final minutes, the Turkish team focused on aerial play, but "Monaco's" defense stood firm without errors.
Monaco — Galatasaray 1:0
Goal: Balogun 68
Monaco – Gradetski, Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique, Kamara, Zakaria, Golovin (Ouattara, 82), Akliouche, Minamino (Teze, 75), Balogun
Galatasaray – Cakir, Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Yacobs (Icardi, 79), Torreira, Gabriel, Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz, Osimhen
Missed penalty: Zakaria 51
The match between "Union Saint-Gilloise" and "Marseille" in Brussels was also exciting. The hosts started actively and opened the score in the 5th minute.
Halaili dribbled from the right flank to the left and struck towards the bottom corner. However, "Marseille" quickly took the initiative and began controlling the center of the field.
A combination between Greenwood and Paixao led to "Marseille's" equalizer. Obameyang's shot was parried by the goalkeeper, but Paixao followed up and finished into the net.
Toward the end of the first half, Greenwood put "Marseille" ahead. Obameyang found his teammate in the penalty area, and the English forward sent the ball into the right corner of the goal.
In the second half, "Union's" pressing increased, and the hosts created several dangerous chances near "Marseille's" goal. However, Greenwood scored another goal, completing a quick counterattack with a shot into the far corner.
Trailing 1:3, "Union" did not give up, and Halaili scored again, reducing the deficit. In the final minutes, the hosts managed to score twice, but both goals were disallowed after VAR interventions.
First, Mac Allister was flagged offside, and later Akinpelu's goal was revoked. "Marseille" held on to their victory and strengthened their position in the group.
Union — Marseille 2:3
Goals: Halaili 5, 71 – Paixao 15, Greenwood 41, 58
Union – Scherpen, Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen, Halaili, van de Perre (Rasmussen, 82), Nyang, Zorgane, Schoofs (Boufal, 63), Raul (David, 63), Rodriguez
Marseille – Rulli, Vea (Balerdi, 46), Murillo, Aguerd, Emerson, Vermeeren, Højbjerg, O’Riley, Greenwood (Vash, 88), Obameyang (Kondogbia, 88), Paixao.
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