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Monaco
Champions League | Group Stage
Nov 22, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
Spurs logo

2-1

Sidibe (48'), Lemar (53')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Kane (52' pen.)

Live Commentary: AS Monaco 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text commentary of the Champions League Group E match between Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur at the Stade Louis II.
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Tottenham Hotspur have crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage after losing 2-1 to Monaco at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday evening.

Harry Kane gave the team a shred of hope when he scored from the penalty spot three minutes after Djibril Sidibe put Monaco ahead in the second half, but Thomas Lemar found the winner just 38 seconds later.

As a result, Spurs can no longer mathematically qualify for the knockout rounds, meaning that they will be playing for third place in Group E when they face CSKA Moscow at Wembley in a fortnight.

Discover how the game unfolded in our updates below.


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Hello all! After a weekend of domestic action, attention now turns to Europe as the Champions League elite try to edge closer to that all-important last 16 stage. With regards to the English contingent, Leicester City know that a win over Club Brugge tonight will secure their place in the knockout round. It is not as simple for their fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who realistically need to beat Monaco this evening in order to keep their campaign alive. We will be providing you with live text commentary of the action at the Stade Louis II.

So, let's remind you of what's at stake tonight, shall we? Tottenham's Champions League campaign could all be over by 9.30pm if they fail to win and Bayer Leverkusen defeat CSKA Moscow in the other Group E fixture. If Spurs manage to get all three points this evening, and they defeat CSKA next month, they will reach the knockout round. No pressure then!

Playing against Monaco will certainly not be a walk in the park as they are unbeaten in the group stage and have already defeated Spurs earlier in the campaign. They currently top the group with eight points, while Bayer are two adrift in second place, with Spurs four points behind and CSKA at the bottom of the standings on just two points.

Right, before we delve any deeper, let's give you the lineups for both sides...

SPURS XI: Lloris; Trippier, Dier, Wimmer, Rose; Wanyama, Dembele; Winks, Son, Alli; Kane
Subs: Vorm, Vertonghen, Walker, Eriksen, Sissoko, Nkoudou, Janssen

MONACO XI: Subasic; Sidibe, Glik, Jemerson, Mendy; Silva, Bakayoko, Fabinho, Lemar; Falcao, Germain

The big news for Tottenham is that 20-year-old midfielder Harry Winks has been handed his first ever start in the Champions League! The youngster heads into tonight's match on a high after scoring on his first Premier League start at the weekend in Spurs' 3-2 win over West Ham United.


In total, Mauricio Pochettino has made four changes to the team that defeated West Ham. Kieran Trippier and Kevin Wimmer have come into the defence, replacing Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen, both of whom drop to the bench. Son Heung-min is named in the attack, along with Dele Alli, meaning that Christian Eriksen and Vincent Janssen have been named among the substitutes. Harry Kane leads the line for the North London outfit. Pochettino said prior to the match that he would not risk his players if they are not fully fit, but Kane, Alli and Mousa Dembele have passed the test. Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao starts up front alongside Valere Germain.

It's been a strange few weeks for Spurs on the pitch, because even though they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after 12 games, they went through a period where they couldn't find a win. League games against West Bromwich Albion, Bournemouth, Leicester City and Arsenal all ended in draws, which pushed them down the pecking order in the title race.

UPDATE: The game between CSKA and Bayer Leverkusen has ended in a 1-1 draw, meaning that Spurs can afford to draw tonight. If they get a point, they will progress into the knockout rounds with a win over CSKA in two weeks' time, as long as Monaco beat Leverkusen on the same night.

Right, back to Tottenham's Premier League form. After a run of draws, they managed to get back to winning ways at the weekend, though, in a dramatic match against West Ham United at White Hart Lane. Michail Antonio put the Hammers ahead after 25 minutes, but Harry Winks brought it back to level terms by scoring his first goal for the club. West Ham nudged ahead again in the second half when Manuel Lanzini struck from the penalty spot, but Spurs came from behind for a second time.

Harry Kane made it 2-2 with one minute of normal time remaining and in dramatic fashion he netted the winner two minutes later from the penalty spot. It was a much-needed win for Mauricio Pochettino's side, even though in truth, the Hammers probably deserved to take all three points on the night.

As for the Champions League, well it has not been the best campaign for the North London outfit. They have been ordered by UEFA to play their home games at Wembley rather than White Hart Lane because of capacity, and it has not been a happy switch for them. Spurs are yet to pick up a point at Wembley having lost to both Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen there.

In fact, they have only recorded one win in the competition so far and that was a 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow in Russia on September 27. Son Heung-min was the man to strike, and it took 71 minutes for Tottenham to find the breakthrough. Their other away fixture was to Germany where they faced Leverkusen, but the team struggled to find a way through, eventually settling for a goalless draw.

When Tottenham welcomed the Bundesliga outfit to London in their most recent Champions League outing on November 2, it was a hugely disappointing night for Pochettino and his men. The performance was drab at best as the players rarely threatened going forward, while Leverkusen were on the front foot for the majority of the game. The visitors' persistence paid off as Kevin Kampl's 65th-minute goal was enough to give the German club all three points.

In this campaign Tottenham have only scored two goals in four matches, which is a surprise given the attacking style of play that Pochettino implements. Perhaps the North London outfit are struggling with the demands of playing twice a week as they are yet to really get going in terms of performances in the Champions League.

Maybe Spurs are not looking at this competition as much of a priority, with the Premier League perhaps at the forefront of the Argentine's mind. Last season, they came so close to winning the crown, but after crumbling in the final few weeks, they will want to make amends this time around.

Regardless of where the Champions League is ranked in terms of priority for Spurs, Pochettino knows that tonight is a huge game for the club.

Earlier this week he told reporters: "We must win and we must find the way. Monaco are a very good team and there's more than 90 minutes to play. It doesn't mean we take more or less risks.

"We try to be clever and follow the play, that's our challenge. It's all about balance, not about taking risks or not taking risks. We need to be clever. It is impossible to win the game after five minutes."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino looks on ahead of his side's Champions League Group E clash with Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley Stadium on November 2, 2016© SilverHub


STATS! The good news for Tottenham is that they have not conceded a goal in their two away games of the competition this season, but the bad news is that they have only won one of their last seven Champions League fixtures. In addition, they have not scored more than one goal in their previous eight games in this tournament.

Matters off the pitch are looking slightly more positive, though, as goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has claimed that he is committed to the club amid rumours over his future. It is believed that the Spurs captain has hit a snag in negotiations as Tottenham are unwilling to meet his £100,000-a-week salary request.

Despite that, Lloris has insisted that he wants to remain at the club. "There are times during a season when, as a player, you have to think about yourself and there are times when you have to think about the team - and this is one of those times when it is more important to be focused on the team," Sky Sports News quotes the Frenchman as saying.

"I don't think this is the right moment to talk about my contract, but I want to repeat my commitment is to the club and there is no rush. I am under contract until 2019 and I enjoy a great relationship with Mauricio Pochettino, Daniel Levy and, of course, the fans, so there is no need for anybody to worry."

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in action during his side's Champions League Group E clash with Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley Stadium on November 2, 2016© SilverHub


So, what can we say about Tottenham's opponents tonight? Well, they are unbeaten in the Champions League group stage this season after claiming wins over Spurs and CSKA Moscow, and they have recorded draws with Leverkusen and in their reverse fixture against CSKA. The French team have scored in every game, but they have only managed to keep one clean sheet.

After claiming 1-1 draws against Leverkusen and CSKA, Monaco had their biggest win of the campaign when they welcomed the Russian outfit to the Stade Louis II. Valere Germain opened the scoring in the 13th minute, while Radamel Falcao struck twice in the first half.

The team have also had a decent run in Ligue 1 as they currently sit second in the table, three points behind leaders Nice and level on points with third-placed Paris Saint-Germain. The club have only suffered defeat twice in the league so far this season, and they are unbeaten in their last four fixtures having recorded three wins and a draw.

You may not have thought this when Falcao was at Manchester United and Chelsea, but the Colombian striker is a big threat to Tottenham's last-16 hopes. The 30-year-old has scored seven goals in nine games, which is a stark contrast to the four goals that he netted in 29 appearances while on loan at United and just the one he scored in 12 for Chelsea.

DID YOU KNOW? Monaco have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches against English opposition in all competitions, but they have kept five in seven of their last Champions League home games. Also, they have lost just two of their previous 19 games in the tournament having won 13 and drawn four.

HEAD TO HEAD: As we know, these two sides met in September at Wembley to kick off their group campaign in the tournament. It was a difficult start for Tottenham as they conceded to Bernardo Silva in the 15th minute before Thomas Lemar doubled Monaco's lead just after the half-hour mark. Toby Alderweireld was able to pull a goal back for Spurs, but it did not inspire a comeback. In total, Monaco and Spurs have played one another three times and they have an equal record having won one each and drawn the other.

Both sets of players have emerged from the tunnel, so after we hear the Champions League theme tune and the obligatory handshakes are completed, the game will commence!

KICKOFF! Spurs get us underway! Remember, if Tottenham lose tonight they are OUT of the Champions League, but they can afford a draw.

Potation's side have seen plenty of the ball in these early stages. The ball is hoofed high up towards Kane, who couldn't stretch far enough to bring it down. He looked offside in the first place, but the flag never raised.

Some nice work from Monaco as the ball is played over the top for Lemar, who drives to the byline before cutting it back to Mendy. The defender crosses the ball high into the box, but it's headed away by Dier.

Spurs get a free kick close to the line in Monaco's half after Glik fouls Kane. Rose delivers from the set piece by sending the ball into the box, but it gets hooked away by Germain.

CHANCE! Oh dear, what a wasted opportunity for Spurs! Monaco give the ball away in a dangerous area, which allows Alli to play the ball forward for Son, who charges ahead and goes one on one with the goalkeeper, but as he tries to get around Subasic, he ends up drifting wide and the move breaks down.

MONACO PENALTY!

Bad news for Spurs as Dier gives away a penalty and they can have no complaints about the decision. Dier swings his leg as Fabinho rushes into the box.

SAVE! Falcao, who has been in fine form of late, steps up to put Monaco ahead, but Lloris makes a crucial stop to deny him! The forward tried to roll it into the bottom left corner, but the Spurs shot-stopper got hands on it.

SAVE! Mendy is getting plenty of joy down the left. He cuts inside and goes for glory from a tight angle, but Lloris makes the stop. The ball is pushed towards Germain, but his effort is poor and Lloris comfortably gathers.

CHANCE! Mendy is involved against as he delivers a cross towards the back post for Germain, who has a free header, but sends it directly to Wimmer's chest.

Silva storms down the right and cuts it across to the edge of the area for Germain, but the ball just gets away from him and Spurs snatch the ball. The visitors need to tighten up at the back because Monaco are causing a number of problems.

Spurs have an opportunity from a free kick won by Alli. Son takes it and manages to lift the ball over the wall, but it's not posing any threat as it drops into the goalkeeper's arms.

BOOKING! Dembele gets cautioned for bringing down Bernardo from behind. It was just a clip from the Spurs midfielder, but Bernardo was at full speed, so it probably looked worse than it was in real time.

The free kick is taken by Lemar, but it's overhit and fails to trouble Lloris. We're goalless at the moment, but both sides could be ahead.

A half-chance for Spurs as Alli plays a great pass to Kane with his first touch. The striker manages to turn in the box and get a shot away, but it dribbles wide of the post. Even if he was on target, a goal wouldn't have counted as the striker was offside.

Spurs have a chance to break and the attack is led by Son, but as he squares the ball he gives it away. Lemar then latches on before shooting, but he aims straight at Lloris.

Monaco are finding it very easy to get through the channels, particularly with having two up front. Falcao breaks free and finds himself one on one with the keeper, but he makes a hash of his shot by sending the ball wide of the target.

Alli drops to the floor in the box under Sidibe's challenge, but the referee waves away his penalty claims. Spurs continue the attack as Rose delivers in a deep cross, and its met by Subasic, who clears, albeit unconvincingly.

This game is so open! Wanyama charges through midfield and spots Kane on the left before sending him the ball, but the England international fails to control it and the pass goes out for a throw in.

CHANCE! Inches wide from Monaco! A long ball is played over the top for Germain, who gets in behind Spurs' defence before trying to aim the ball towards the far corner from a tight angle, but his attempt just trickles past the outside of the post.

Oh dear, if there was any Spurs player you wanted the ball dropping to in the box, it's Harry Kane, but the striker miscues his shot after meeting Rose's cross from the left wing, and the chance goes missing.

Monaco get another opportunity to cause problems as Lemar delivers a corner kick deep into the box to find Jemerson at the far post. The defender connects with the ball and aims a header towards goal, but he nods wide.

A second corner in two minutes for the hosts as Lemar takes it again. Rose gets there first, though, and pushes Monaco back. Spurs have had their chances, but they have largely been on the backfoot in the last few minutes.

Should Monaco be down to 10 men?! Kane stumbles to the floor under the challenge of Gilk, who then stamps on the Tottenham striker's back. Nothing given from the referee, though. Not even a yellow card!

HALF-TIME: MONACO 0-0 TOTTENHAM

I'm not sure how this game is still goalless, but we enter the half-time break with neither side having found the breakthrough. Son Heung-min missed an early opportunity after going one on one with the goalkeeper, while Radamel Falcao had a penalty saved by Hugo Lloris. The game opened up as the minutes ticked by, but Monaco look the more threatening moving forward, particularly as Benjamin Mendy has been getting plenty of joy down the left. As it stands, Tottenham can cling onto hope of reaching the last-16 stage, but if they lose after 90 minutes, they are out of the Champions League. Can they get an all-important win? We'll return for the second half shortly to find out!

RESTART! Monaco get the second half underway! Fingers crossed that we'll see some goals in the next 45 minutes!

GOAL! MONACO 1-0 TOTTENHAM (SIDIBE)

The perfect start to the second half for Monaco, and in fairness, it's deserved! The goal comes from a lovely attacking move, with Silva cutting inside before switching play to Mendy on the left. The defender drops his shoulder before crossing to Sidibe, who fires a powerful header past Lloris from the centre of the penalty area.

PENALTY TO TOTTENHAM!

Wow, what a turnaround this could be! Alli wins Spurs a penalty after charging into the box. A he attempts to bring the ball down he gets caught by Gilk.

GOAL! MONACO 1-1 TOTTENHAM (KANE)

GOAL! MONACO 2-1 TOTTENHAM (LEMAR)

Oh my! Just 38 seconds after Kane slots home from the penalty spot, Monaco get themselves in front again! It comes from the restart as the ball is crossed into the box and drops to the other side where Lemar is unmarked in 10 yards of space. The midfielder takes a big swing at it from a tight angle and the ball ends up in the bottom right corner.

That goal is a hammer blow for Spurs, but they have been at fault themselves. The visitors are playing far too narrow, and the centre-half pairing of Dier and Wimmer has struggled to cope with Monaco's forward two. You'd have to say that Spurs have a mountain to climb now, but considering what we've seen in the last few minutes, perhaps its too early to rule them out!

BOOKING! The yellow card is brandished to Falcao after tripping Wanyama, who's requiring treatment, but seems like he'll be fine to continue.

Oh dear, what a miss from Son! Trippier delivers a great ball into the box from the free kick, but nobody can latch on as it bobbles around the box. Wanyama eventually nudges the ball to Son, who sweeps a left foot at it from close range, but its hit directly at the keeper's legs. The South Korean was offside anyway.

Rose tries to make things happen for Spurs as he drives down the left-hand side before delivering a cross to Alli, but Glik tracks the flight of the ball and gets there first to head clear.

At the other end, Silva shows pace as he charges into the danger area before unleashing a shot with hs left foot, but in the end, Lloris saves comfortably.

SPURS SUBS: Pochettino makes a double change as Son and Dembele make way for Janssen and Eriksen.

SAVE! What a stop from Lloris! Gilk should be celebrating Monaco's third goal after connecting on the volley from five yards out, but Tottenham's keeper shows great reflexes to get his arms up and push the ball over the bar.

CHANCE! Janssen does well to hold the ball up before switching the ball to Eriksen on the left side. The midfielder switches feet before firing towards the bottom right corner, but it's deflected wide for a corner. The resulting set piece finds Dier, whose header is cleared off the line by Lemar.

SAVE! Another great stop from Lloris as he denies Falcao from scoring his first of the game. The Colombian is through on goal after latching onto Silva's pass, but his effort ends up being palmed away by Lloris.

SPURS SUB: Pochettino makes his final change of the night as young Harry Winks makes way for Sissoko.

MONACO SUB: The home side make a change themselves as Carillo comes on to replace Germain.

MONACO SUB: Another change for the hosts as Moutinho, who recently recovered from injury, comes on for Lemar.

With seven minutes of normal time on the clock, Monaco look as though they are going to try to hold on to their lead and prevent Spurs from finding an equaliser rather than go all out for a third goal.

CHANCE! A nervy moment for Monaco as they struggle to scramble the ball away as it comes into the box. Kane latches on and turns before getting a strike away, but it's deflected out for a corner.

CHANCE! The ball comes in from the corner flag and Alli gets on the end of it at the far post, but his outstretched leg sends the ball inches wide!

Janssen goes for glory after a quick turn in the area, but it soars high and wide - pretty much sums up Tottenham this evening!

Four minutes have been added on at the Stade Louis II. Can Spurs perform a dramatic comeback? Well, they need to do something quickly!

A decent opportunity for Spurs as they get a free kick on the ged of the area. Eriksen takes it and crosses into the box, but it fails to get past the first man and they win a corner. The set piece is whipped in by Eriksen, but Monaco clear.

FULL-TIME: MONACO 2-1 TOTTENHAM

So, there we have it - Tottenham Hotspur are OUT of the Champions League. They failed to get the point that they needed to cling onto hopes of qualifying for the last-16 stage of the tournament. In the end, Mauricio Pochettino's side were beaten 2-1 by Monaco at the Stade Louis II, and they can have no complaints. Monaco were deserved winners on the night, and as a result they qualify for the knockout rounds along with Bayer Leverkusen. Spurs will be fighting CSKA Moscow for third place at Wembley in a fortnight's time. Thank you for joining us this evening, and until next time, goodbye!

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Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in action during his side's Champions League Group E clash with Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley Stadium on November 2, 2016
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