AS Monaco claimed the top spot in Champions League, albeit temporarily, after a commanding 5-1 win over Red Star Belgrade in the third round of matches. The French side became the first team to reach seven points in the group stage with this emphatic home victory.

The game was largely in Monaco’s favor, with Red Star only briefly threatening a comeback. In the 27th minute, Ndiaye took advantage of a defensive lapse from Monaco and was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. He calmly converted to level the score at 1-1.

However, Monaco regained the lead in first-half stoppage time. Embolo attempted a pass, which deflected off a defender and resulted in an unintended but fortunate goal. Ilić couldn’t handle the volley that flew into the far corner.

The second half turned into a one-sided affair. Monaco created so many chances that it could have been a goal-fest across multiple games. But three more goals were enough to seal an emphatic 5-1 victory. In the next round, Monaco will visit Bologna, while Red Star Belgrade will face Barcelona at home.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Monaco - Crvena Zvezda 5:1 (2:1)
Goals: Minamino, 20 (1:0); Ndiaye, 27 (penalty) (1:1); Embolo, 45+4 (2:1); Singo, 54 (3:1); Minamino, 70 (4:1); Akliouche, 90+6 (5:1)

Monaco: Majecki; Vanderson O.; Kehrer; Singo; Akliouche; Ben Seghir (Golovin, 46); Zakaria D. (Matazo, 86); Caio Henrique (Diatta, 77); Camara L. (Magassa, 77); Minamino; Embolo (Ilenikhena, 77)
Bench: Köhn; Lienard; Mawissa; Teze; Ouattara К.
Yellow Cards: Kehrer 25

Crvena Zvezda: Ilic Ma.; Djiga; Seol Young-Woo; Spajic; Krunić (Rodic, 60); Elsnik; Maksimovic An. (Katai, 74); Duarte B. (Dálcio, 7); Ndiaye (Kanga Kaku, 74); Olayinka; Silas (Ilić L., 60)
Bench: Guteša; Lekovic; Milson; Radonjić N.
Yellow Cards: Maksimovic An. 45