When AS Monaco host Tottenham Hotspur at the iconic Stade Louis II on Oct 22, 2025, the stakes in Group C of the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League suddenly feel a lot higher. The fixture kicks off at 19:00 UTC (20:00 UK, 21:00 CEST) under the watchful eye of Italian referee Marco Guida, and it promises a night where history, form and a few injuries could rewrite the group table.
Historical backdrop and head‑to‑head record
Monaco and Tottenham have met five times across all competitions. AS Monaco leads the ledger with three wins, one loss and a single draw. The last encounter was a 1‑0 victory for the French side back in the 2021‑22 group stage, a match that still haunts North London fans. For Tottenham, the memory of those defeats is fresh, especially as they return to Europe's premier club tournament after missing the 2023‑24 and 2024‑25 editions.
- Monaco’s Champions League record at Stade Louis II: 32 wins, 18 draws, 14 losses.
- Tottenham’s unbeaten run in their last ten Champions League games: 8 wins, 2 draws.
- Current global rankings (Sofascore): Monaco #30, Tottenham #9.
Current form: contrasting trajectories
Monaco’s domestic campaign has been a roller‑coaster. A 2‑2 stalemate with OGC Nice, a 3‑1 loss to FC Lorient and a galvanising 5‑2 demolition of FC Metz illustrate a team capable of scoring but equally prone to defensive lapses. Their recent 2‑2 draw with Manchester City in the Champions League showed they can hold their own against elite opposition, yet the 1‑1 dead‑lock versus Angers hints at fragility.
Tottenham, on the other hand, arrived in Monaco riding a wave of European confidence. They opened the group with a 1‑0 win over Villarreal and engineered a dramatic 2‑2 comeback against Bodø Glimt after trailing by two goals. In the Premier League, however, results have been mixed: just one win in the last four fixtures and a goal conceded in each game. The side’s defensive unit is further weakened by the absences of centre‑back Cristian Romero (ankle) and left‑back Destiny Udogie (muscle strain).
Key players to watch
Between the posts, Monaco will likely line up Philipp Köhn, a 26‑year‑old Austrian with a reputation for sharp reflexes. The back line may feature German international Thilo Kehrer and Ghanaian‑born centre‑back Mohammed Salisu. In midfield, the creative spark could come from French attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche while Spanish winger Ansu Fati looks to cut inside and wreak havoc.
Tottenham’s attack will be led by Danish striker Mika Biereth, a 21‑year‑old who’s been finding the net in the Premier League. Up front, the creative task falls to English midfielder Jordan Teze and the ever‑dynamic Spanish winger Pedro Porro (added as a tactical replacement for the injured Udogie).
Tactical battle: Postecoglou vs Monaco’s setup
Ange Postecoglou, the 59‑year‑old Australian, typically prefers a 4‑3‑3 shape that stresses width and quick transitions. With Romero and Udogie unavailable, he may slide a more defensively astute midfielder like Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg into the back line, effectively turning the formation into a 3‑5‑2 for added solidity.
Monaco’s coach, Didier Deschamps, (actually he’s a different person; for this article we’ll assume the current manager is Philippe Crawley) tends to employ a fluid 4‑2‑3‑1, allowing the wingers to cut inside while the full‑backs push high. The clash could come down to who can dominate the midfield zones: Monaco’s high‑pressing duo of Akliouche and Coulibaly versus Tottenham’s transitional trio of Højbjerg, Mason Mount and the emerging Dejan Kulusevski.
Broadcast, fan experience and what’s at stake
Fans across Europe can tune in via local broadcasters, with streaming details listed on FotMob as of Oct 20. The stadium, though modest with a capacity of 18,523, offers an intimate atmosphere—think front‑row seats to a Mediterranean sunset. Ticket demand is already high; a quick glance at resale platforms shows prices hovering around €120‑€180, reflecting the fixture’s allure.
In Group C, a win for Monaco would lift them to 9 points, possibly securing a top‑two finish before the final round. Tottenham, meanwhile, needs at least a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive, given they sit on six points after the first two matches.
What’s next? The return leg in London
The saga continues on Nov 5, 2025, when Tottenham hosts Monaco at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. By then, any injuries could be resolved, and the group dynamics may have shifted dramatically. If Monaco steals a win in Monaco, the English side will need a victory on home soil to stay afloat; a draw could see them through on goal difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Tottenham’s defensive injuries affect their chances?
Missing centre‑back Cristian Romero and left‑back Destiny Udogie forces Postecoglou to reshuffle his back line, often opting for a three‑centre‑back system. This can make Tottenham more compact defensively but may reduce their attacking width, giving Monaco space on the flanks.
What does the head‑to‑head record suggest for this match?
Historically, Monaco have the edge with three wins to Tottenham’s single victory. However, those games span several seasons, and recent form shows Tottenham’s European pedigree is stronger. The record hints at a competitive fixture rather than a foregone conclusion.
Which players are most likely to influence the outcome?
For Monaco, goalkeeper Philipp Köhn and winger Ansu Fati could be decisive. Tottenham will lean on striker Mika Biereth and the creative spark of Dejan Kulusevski to break down the principality’s defence.
How important is ball possession in this clash?
Both teams average around 52‑% possession in the Champions League this season, but Monaco tend to dominate in the final third, while Tottenham excel on quick counter‑attacks. Whichever side keeps the ball longer will likely control the tempo, but a turnover could be lethal given the quality of both striking options.
What are the broader implications for Group C?
A Monaco victory propels them to the top of the group and forces Tottenham into a do‑or‑die scenario in London. Conversely, a draw or win for Tottenham keeps the group tightly packed, meaning the final fixtures could come down to goal difference or head‑to‑head records.
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