Monaco beat the Spanish team Betis Sevilla (3-1) on Wednesday night at Saint George’s Park, the national center of the English football federation.
Thanks to a double from the German Kevin Volland (52nd and 66th) as well as a goal from the Japanese Takumi Minamino (76th), the Monegasques, currently training in Birmingham, won their first victory of their preparation.
After a draw against Union Saint-Gilloise (1-1) and a defeat at Cercle Bruges (3-0), Adi Hütter’s men, who will face the English from Leeds on Saturday, showed great collective attitudes against Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
With the return to the starting XI of internationals Vanderson, Maripan, Jakobs, Fofana and Ben Seghir, who returned later, Monaco offered a solid first period, without managing to score. In turn, Fofana (20th), Ben Yedder (25th, 37th and 39th) and Ben Seghir (44th) were clumsy.
If, at the break, Adi Hütter replaced the ten field players, leaving the only Majecki in goal, author of a good hour before being replaced by the young Lienard, the tactical device in 3-4-2-1 did not evolve.
Always looking for quick attacks, the Monegasques opened the scoring through Volland, already a decisive passer against Union Saint-Gilloise, who took over from the left at the near post a good ball from Minamino (1-0, 56th).
Monaco doubled the bet on an action that pleased Hütter: Edan Diop intercepted an opposing raise to quickly serve Volland who, with a subtle dive, scored (2-0, 66th). Minamino then sealed victory for the Red and Whites. After Claudio Bravo stopped on Myron Boadu’s attempt, the Japanese resumed victoriously (3-0, 76th).
But, like last season, Monaco conceded another goal, again from a set piece. Central defender Luiz Felipe had no trouble winning a final duel from a corner to save Sevillian honor (3-1, 82nd).
