Both clubs are vying for direct qualification to the round of 16, but AS Monaco face a tougher challenge. Not only are they two spots outside the top eight, but they must also take on Inter Milan at the formidable San Siro.
For Monaco to overtake Inter Milan, they must score, but that is a daunting task against the Milan side that have conceded in only one match during this Champions League campaign—a 0:1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. That match also represents their sole defeat. Inter Milan have been clinical in their victories, securing 1:0 results in four of their five wins, regardless of the opposition, whether it was the weaker Young Boys or the similarly strong Arsenal. Against Manchester City, the match ended goalless, further emphasising Inter Milan's defensive solidity.
Monaco, under Adi Hütter, have won two of their four Champions League matches in similar low-scoring fashion, defeating Bologna and Aston Villa. However, it’s difficult to imagine them overcoming an opponent as formidable as Inter Milan. Before their hard-fought 3:2 win over Stade Rennais last Saturday, Monaco had struggled domestically, with no wins in four matches—losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup (0:1), being eliminated from the Coupe de France by Stade de Reims (1:1, penalties 1:3), and drawing and losing in Ligue 1.
Inter Milan are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions and have consistently demonstrated defensive resilience. AS Monaco, who have kept a clean sheet in only one of their last six matches, are unlikely to break through Inter Milan’s disciplined defence. The Milan side should secure a victory, with the total number of goals staying under 3.5.
