Monaco 0-0 Tottenham: Tottenham’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario emerged as the unsung hero in a tense Champions League clash against Monaco, helping his side secure a goalless draw at the Stade Louis-II on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. The result, Tottenham’s first clean sheet since March 2023, marked a resilient performance despite facing relentless pressure from the French side, who dominated possession and created 23 shots, including several high-quality opportunities.
The match, which ended without a goal, highlighted Vicario’s crucial role in thwarting Monaco’s attacking threats. The Italian made eight vital saves, including a stunning stop on Folarin Balogun in the first half and a point-blank denial of Jordan Teze in the second. Despite Tottenham’s lack of intensity and minimal shot count (just two on target), the draw kept them unbeaten in their first three Champions League games under manager Thomas Frank, securing their position at 15th in the group table.
Tottenham’s lineup saw three changes from their previous match against Aston Villa, with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Richarlison replacing Xavi Simons and Djed Spence. Mathys Tel’s absence, as he wasn’t included in the Champions League squad, further altered the tactical approach. While Frank acknowledged the team’s below-par performance, he praised Vicario’s composure under pressure, stating, “He’s a big part of why we got a hard-fought point. Some of his saves were exceptional.”
Vicario himself reflected on the game, admitting it wasn’t a perfect display but emphasizing the need for improvement. “We didn’t do the basics tonight,” he said. “The level of performance has to be much higher. Monaco were better, and we have to learn from this.” Meanwhile, Monaco’s coach Sebastien Pocognoli commended Vicario’s heroics but criticized his time-wasting during set pieces, calling it “nice for him” but a factor that could cost them chances.
The result underscored Tottenham’s defensive struggles but also their ability to grind out points in high-stakes encounters. With the league phase looming, Frank’s side will need to address their lack of intensity and consistency to progress further in the competition. The draw also brought a rare moment of relief for Spurs, who had previously faced criticism for defensive lapses in their recent outings.
Key Stats: - Monaco: 23 shots (expected goals: 2.5) - Tottenham: 2 shots on target - Vicario’s saves: 8 (highest in the match) - Tottenham’s first goalless draw since March 2023 - Frank becomes the first Spurs manager to remain unbeaten in his first three CL games
Looking Ahead: Tottenham will now focus on their upcoming fixtures, including Premier League and Champions League matches, as they aim to build on this survival point. Meanwhile, Monaco’s attacking flair will be tested in future encounters, with their coach stressing the need for more efficient finishing.
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