Monaco Edges Villa 1-0, Atalanta Dominates Sturm Graz 5-0

Eppe Franklyne –

• AS Monaco secured their first win of the year with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, moving into a seeded playoff spot in the Champions League.
• Wilfried Singo’s early header was the difference, as Villa struggled to break down Monaco’s defense despite several chances.
• Atalanta delivered a dominant 5-0 performance against Sturm Graz, with a strong offensive display putting them in contention for a top-eight finish.

AS Monaco triumphed 1-0 at home against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking their first victory of the year and ending a four-game winless streak. The match’s only goal came early, in the 8th minute, when Wilfried Singo scored from close range after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had saved Thilo Kehrer’s header from a corner. Villa weathered pressure and gained more possession as the half progressed, but Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki denied efforts from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.

In the second half, both teams had opportunities, with Villa’s Morgan Rogers firing just wide and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche having a goal ruled offside. Villa manager Unai Emery introduced Jhon Duran to spark an attack, but the visitors were unable to break through Monaco’s resolute defense, with Matty Cash also pulling a shot wide. The result leaves both teams on 13 points, with Monaco holding a slight edge in their quest for a top finish in the group.

Meanwhile, Atalanta delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz in their Champions League match. The Italian side dominated from start to finish, securing their first home win of the campaign and moving up to third place in the table with 14 points. Sturm Graz, with just three points, had no chance of reaching the knockout phase.

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui opened the scoring early, capitalizing on a defensive mistake. Mario Pasalic doubled their lead in the 58th minute, and five minutes later, Charles De Ketelaere made it 3-0. In the final moments of the match, De Ketelaere assisted Ademola Lookman for the fourth goal, and substitute Marco Brescianini completed the rout with a stoppage-time strike.