Vicario Keeps Tottenham Unbeaten in Europe

Tottenham Hotspur survived a tough test in the Champions League as Guglielmo Vicario produced a string of brilliant saves to help his side earn a vital 0-0 draw against Monaco at the Stade Louis II.

The Italian goalkeeper, who has faced criticism earlier in the season, was the standout performer for Thomas Frank’s Spurs, ensuring the visitors extended their unbeaten start in Europe despite an indifferent display.

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Key Moments: Vicario Denies Monaco Repeatedly

Vicario’s heroics began in the first half, making four crucial saves, three from former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun and another brilliant stop against Maghnes Akliouche.

After the break, he continued his dominance:

• Denying further chances from Akliouche and Balogun
• Brilliantly blocking Jordan Teze’s header from point-blank range
• Keeping Takumi Minamino’s multiple attempts at goal out

The goalkeeper’s performance proved decisive in allowing Spurs to escape with a point, as Monaco repeatedly threatened with their attacking flair.

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Tottenham’s Struggles in Attack

Tottenham’s offensive output was limited, with Micky van de Ven’s header and a half-chance from Richarlison representing rare opportunities. Despite dominating possession at times, Monaco’s defensive organization and Spurs’ lack of attacking cohesion meant the English side largely played in survival mode.

Richarlison’s quiet night saw him substituted, while Randal Kolo Muani, who had only featured briefly in two substitute appearances this season, was unable to change the game’s rhythm.

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Manager Reactions and Tactical Takeaways

Thomas Frank will have mixed feelings:

• Positive: Spurs remain unbeaten in their opening three Champions League fixtures, including two away games, a feat previously only achieved once in the 2017-18 campaign.
• Negative: Spurs’ attacking struggles and passive approach away from home highlight the need for more creativity and offensive threat to progress in Europe.

The match emphasized the reliance on Vicario, whose performance masked Tottenham’s deficiencies in both buildup play and finishing.

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Monaco’s Missed Opportunities

Monaco, who had drawn 2-2 with Manchester City in a previous fixture, dominated large periods but failed to capitalize on numerous chances. Takumi Minamino, Balogun, and Akliouche all missed opportunities to secure three points for the hosts, underlining their inefficiency in front of goal.

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Player of the Match

Guglielmo Vicario – Average rating 8.81

Other notable performances:

• Ansu Fati (Monaco) – 6.28
• Folarin Balogun (Monaco) – 6.18
• Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco) – 6.16

For Tottenham: the defensive resilience led by Vicario overshadowed other contributors, with very few players making a significant attacking impact.

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What This Means for Spurs

Tottenham take a valuable point to remain unbeaten in Europe, but their display raises questions about their attacking threat in the Champions League. Improvement is required in creativity and finishing if Spurs are to challenge for qualification from the group stage.

Monaco will be disappointed to drop points at home despite dominating large periods, highlighting ongoing struggles to convert possession and chances into goals.

Tottenham’s next Premier League fixture sees them continue their campaign in England, while Monaco will aim to bounce back in their next Bundesliga clash.