Atletico Madrid reached the Champions League last 16 after securing a 2-0 victory over Thierry Henry’s young Monaco side at the Wanda Metropolitano.
After 87 seconds, Atletico scored their fastest ever goal in the Champions League, with Koke’s deflected strike also seeing the unfortunate 17-year-old Benoit Badiashile become the youngest player in the tournament’s history to score an own goal.
The start set the tone for a Monaco side which featured four teenagers from the off, and Antoine Griezmann’s finish with the outside of his left boot effectively sealed the match after just 24 minutes.
Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann (C) scores a goal during the UEFA Champions League group A football match between Atletico Madrid and Monaco at the Wanda Metropolitan stadium in Madrid on November 28, 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
Radamel Falcao’s return to Atletico ended in misery, with the Monaco forward coming off the bench only to send a penalty wide late on after Stefan Savic was harshly penalised, and duly shown a second yellow, for a handball.
Borussia Dortmund can reclaim top spot from Atletico in Group A with victory over Club Brugge later this evening. Monaco's defeat leaves them on one point from five games in Europe - their hopes of Europa League football after Christmas are hanging by a thread.
TALKING POINT
Men against boys. Henry knew the game was up before the game had even started. Throwing four teenagers – including two 17-year-old’s – into the mix from the off was a bold decision, and only they will be able to tell you whether it was a positive, character-building evening, or a scarring one that will last with them for some time.
Monaco's French coach Thierry Henry looks on before the UEFA Champions League group A football match between Atletico Madrid and Monaco at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on November 28, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
Monaco were no match for Atletico, but they were never going to be. The hosts strolled around the Wanda and turned on the style at a canter. At this rate, they’ll be the second-placed side to avoid come the last-16 draw. Who would ever want to play this side in Europe? (Only Sergio Ramos would put his hand up)
MAN OF THE MATCH
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) With the Balon d’Or winner being revealed on Monday, it was a timely performance from the man not shy of bigging up his own credentials.
And though the World Cup winner will not be in the running, a fourth goal in five European games this season capped off a fine performance from Griezmann. Play like that 60 matches a year, and he might be in with a shout in 12 months’ time.
Antoine Griezmann celebrates Atletico's goal against Monaco
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Atletico XI: Oblak 6, Luis 7, Hernandez 6, Savic 6, Arias 6, Rodrigo 6, Thomas 6, Koke 7, Lemar 7, Griezmann 8, Correa 7. Subs: Vitolo 6, Saul 6
Monaco XI: Benaglio 6, Biancone 6, Raggi 5, Jemerson 5, B Badiashile 5, Tielemans 5, Massengo 6, Grandsir 5, Chadli 5, Golovin 5, Sylla 5. Subs: Falcao 4, Diop 6, Thuram-Ulien 6
KEY MOMENTS
2’ - GOAL! Atletico lead after 90 seconds! Koke's strike from 25 yards out takes a huge deflection and leaves Benaglio no chance. Horror start for Monaco.
8’ - OFF THE POST! The free-kick is only a whisker wide from Lemar. He's actually skimmed the outside of the post! Very close to a second.
24’ - GOAL! And a lovely move from Atletico! Griezmann has his 21st Champions League goal. He initially slips in Correa, who loses Jemerson before finding Griezmann once more, and the Frenchman takes a touch before using the outside of his foot to bend it into the far corner.
Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League group A football match between Atletico Madrid and Monaco at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on November 28, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
60’ - SAVE! Well, Falcao could have had his first already... He turns majestically inside the box but shoots straight at Oblak!
82’ - Penalty to Monaco! And it's a second yellow for Savic! He's off! Very, very harsh call as he blocks Tielemans' effort with his arm, which was right by his chest!
83’ - Falcao fires wide! He sends Oblak the wrong way but he cannot find the target on his return to Atletico.
KEY STATS
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