AS Monaco 3-0 SC Freiburg: Clinical Monaco Cruise in UEFA Europa Conference League

AS Monaco delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Friday, 23 October 2026, turning a bright start at the Stade Louis II into a statement European performance. Monaco scored in the first half, doubled their advantage before the break and added a third after the interval to secure all three points with a clean sheet.

The result reflected Monaco’s control of the contest from the opening whistle. Freiburg, normally organised and difficult to break down, were forced into long defensive spells and struggled to sustain possession in the final third. Monaco’s pressing, quick combinations and midfield authority gave the home side a deserved margin of victory.

Match overview

Monaco set the tone with an aggressive 4-2-3-1 shape, using the front four to close Freiburg’s build-up lanes and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Freiburg looked to remain compact in a back-three system and threaten through set pieces and wide deliveries, but they were unable to find rhythm before Monaco’s early breakthrough changed the shape of the match.

• Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League
• Home team: AS Monaco
• Away team: SC Freiburg
• Final score: AS Monaco 3-0 SC Freiburg
• Venue: Stade Louis II

Key moments

The opening goal arrived in the 18th minute after Monaco won the ball high up the pitch. A quick transition allowed the home side to attack Freiburg’s unsettled back line, and a low finish from inside the penalty area gave Monaco the lead. The goal rewarded Monaco’s early pressure and forced Freiburg to defend deeper than they would have liked.

Monaco doubled the advantage in the 41st minute with a move that showcased their best attacking qualities. A patient passing sequence drew Freiburg toward the ball before a runner broke into space between the wing-back and centre-back. The cut-back was converted confidently, leaving Freiburg with a two-goal deficit at half-time.

The third goal came in the 67th minute and effectively ended any hope of a Freiburg comeback. Monaco pressed again, won possession in midfield and attacked with purpose. The finish was clinical, and the Stade Louis II crowd responded with the kind of noise that underlined the home side’s dominance.

Freiburg’s best opportunity arrived late in the second half, but Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn remained alert to preserve the clean sheet. The visitors also threatened from a set piece, but Monaco defended their box well and limited clear sights of goal.

Tactical story

Monaco’s victory was built on midfield control. Denis Zakaria and his partner screened the back four effectively, allowing the attacking players to operate in advanced areas without leaving the defence exposed. Monaco’s full-backs pushed high to stretch Freiburg’s back three, while the front four rotated constantly to create overloads in central areas.

Freiburg’s plan depended on staying compact and using wide deliveries to bypass Monaco’s press. However, Monaco’s counter-pressing was excellent, and Freiburg’s midfielders often received the ball with their backs to goal. When the visitors did find space in wide areas, Monaco’s centre-backs dealt well with crosses and second balls.

The most striking difference was in transition. Monaco looked dangerous every time they won possession, while Freiburg struggled to turn defensive recoveries into sustained attacks. That imbalance allowed Monaco to manage the second half comfortably after taking a 2-0 lead into the break.

Standout players

Folarin Balogun led the line with intelligence, holding up play and dragging defenders out of position. His movement created space for Monaco’s attacking midfielders, and his link-up play was central to the home side’s best moves.

Maghnes Akliouche was a constant creative threat, drifting between the lines and combining neatly with the forwards. His ability to turn under pressure helped Monaco break Freiburg’s defensive structure.

Denis Zakaria controlled the midfield with powerful runs and timely interceptions. He won second balls, carried possession forward and ensured Freiburg rarely found comfort in central areas.

For Freiburg, Vincenzo Grifo remained their most dangerous outlet, particularly from set pieces, while goalkeeper Noah Atubolu made several saves to prevent the scoreline from becoming heavier. Freiburg’s defenders worked hard, but they were repeatedly exposed by Monaco’s speed of movement.

What the result means

The three points strengthen Monaco’s position in the UEFA Europa Confe