Tottenham Hotspur relied on a mixture of luck and exceptional goalkeeping to earn a goalless draw against AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, leaving supporters frustrated with a dismal display in the Champions League 2025/26.

Guglielmo Vicario the Hero for Spurs

Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was undoubtedly the standout performer, keeping Spurs in the game with a series of brilliant saves. He denied former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun three times in the first half, as well as Maghnes Akliouche and substitute Aleksandr Golovin in the second half. His most remarkable stop came from a point-blank effort by Jordan Teze, preserving a hard-earned point for Thomas Frank’s side.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank praised his keeper:

“I think he was very good today. Some of the saves were exceptional. He’s a big part of why we got a hard-fought point.”

Without Vicario’s heroics, the visitors would likely have left the Stade Louis II empty-handed.

Spurs’ Lackluster Offense

Tottenham’s attacking play, however, left much to be desired. The side managed only two shots on target, never looking like taking the initiative or threatening Monaco’s goal consistently. The team appeared content to settle for a draw, much to the frustration of traveling supporters who vocalized their disapproval with groans and boos at the final whistle.

Remarkably, this was Spurs’ first 0-0 in 125 games, their last coming against AC Milan in March 2023, highlighting the rarity of such sterile displays for the London club.

Fan Reactions: Disappointment at Monaco

The Spurs faithful, who traveled to Monaco to support their team, were far from satisfied. Frustrated by the slow pace and perceived lack of ambition, fans expressed their displeasure as Tottenham ran down the clock in stoppage time. While a point was secured, the performance did little to inspire confidence in the squad’s ability to compete at the highest level of European football.

Defensive Effort and Team Performance

Alongside Vicario, Micky van de Ven, deputizing as captain in the absence of Cristian Romero, worked tirelessly to keep Monaco at bay. Despite the defensive resilience, Spurs remained under pressure throughout and were fortunate that Monaco’s finishing, particularly from Takumi Minamino, failed to convert multiple clear-cut chances.

Champions League Standing and Upcoming Fixtures

Currently, Spurs sit 15th in their Champions League group, highlighting their ongoing struggle to adapt to European competition. Their next two fixtures—home to FC Copenhagen and away to holders Paris Saint-Germain—promise a sterner test, where mistakes will be punished, and luck may not be on their side.

Context: Spurs’ Return to Europe’s Elite

Tottenham celebrated qualification for the Champions League as a significant milestone, yet this encounter exposed their ongoing need to acclimatize to the demands of the tournament. The Stade Louis II, while iconic in design, is one of the friendliest environments for visiting teams, offering a less hostile challenge compared to future fixtures at venues like Parc des Princes.

Additional Notes

Former Spurs defender Eric Dier received a warm welcome from supporters despite being sidelined due to injury, while new signing Paul Pogba watched from the stands ahead of his anticipated debut for Monaco. Vicario’s performance, along with van de Ven’s leadership, were the few positives in a game where Tottenham failed to impress.

Verdict: A Point Won, Not a Performance Celebrated

While Spurs extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to three games, this 0-0 draw against Monaco will be remembered for its lack of ambition rather than tactical mastery. Fans will hope for a significant improvement when the team faces tougher opponents in the coming weeks.