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Having delivered a stellar performance and opening the scoring at the Parc des Princes against Paris (2-2), the French playmaker was named MVP of the Champions League play-off second leg.
It was a 24th birthday celebrated in style. A free spirit in the heart of Monaco’s play in the Champions League play-off second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Maghnes Akliouche had a great game and even opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes. His influence on the pitch, however, was unfortunately not enough to prevent a draw, which meant elemination against the holders (2-2).
I think he was ready to help the team. We know these kinds of matches suit him, and he's eager to show it and be decisive! He was today; he worked well off the ball, put in a very good performance, so I'm happy with his overall play. I'm also proud of a very young midfielder who was aggressive and courageous both with and without the ball.
Maghnes, breaking the deadlock ⚡️
However, the French international started this match strongly and made an ideal run to find Mamadou Coulibaly in the Parisian penalty area, but his shot grazed the crossbar (9′). Very active, Sébastien Pocognoli’s playmaker then went on to play in Folarin Balogun, whose lob was deflected for a corner by Matvei Safonov (38′). Driven by the idea of playing forward, he was also the Monaco player who made the most passes in the opposition third (12), according to our statistics provider Opta.
Clinical in front of goal 🎯
And Maghnes Akliouche, seemingly everywhere at once, would also prove decisive. Just before halftime, he got on the end of a superb pass from Mamadou Coulibaly with his left foot, and with the help of the Parisian post, the ball nestled into the back of the net (0-1, 45′)! This opening goal rewarded a very strong first half from the Monaco players and allowed him to score his first goal in this edition of the Champions League, on his 24th birthday.
A battling display in midfield 💪
This goal was this a virtual birthday present, thus imitating in some ways Dado Pršo, who scored four goals against Deportivo La Coruña while wearing the Monaco jersey, on his 29th birthday. But beyond his attacking activity, Maghnes also helped his teammates in his own half of the pitch by taking part in 11 duels, winning 100% of them in the air, and making one interception.
I had quite a bit of freedom in this match, I think that showed. I was pretty close to Balo' but I could also drift out of position. That's always more comfortable for me. You always expect the key players of a team to step up in these kinds of matches.
It’s no surprise, then, to see him receive a score of 7 from the sports daily L’Équipe and, in the process, take the title of MVP for the Rouge et Blanc with 84% of the votes on the AS Monaco App for the eighth time this season, ahead of Lamine Camara and Philipp Köhn. Bravo Maghnes! 👏