The slap received in Bruges hurts. Very bad even. This 4-1 defeat for the entry into Monaco in the Champions League leaves a bitter taste and legitimate questions about the ASM's ability to compete at the highest European level. However, in this total shipwreck, Monegasque supporters can cling to a detail in history which could well change the perspective on this European campaign.
The magic previous of 1997-98
Because Monaco has already experienced the same catastrophic beginning in the Champions League. It was in 1997-98, when Jean Tigana's men bowed 3-0 on the Sporting CP lawn for their first group phase match. A defeat by three goals that strangely recalls the ordeal lived Thursday in Belgium. But this European campaign had taken an unexpected turn.
Led by a fire trio of Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and Victor Ikpeba, the Monegasques had rebounded spectacularly. After this false humiliating departure, Monaco had gradually gained power to achieve the feat of his life: reaching the semi-finals of the most prestigious of European competitions.
Monaco can still believe it after Bruges
Monaco, from humiliation to consecration?
This epic remains engraved in memories: the elimination of Manchester United in the quarterfinals had marked the spirits before Juventus stopped the Monegasque adventure at the next stadium. An exceptional journey that proves that a failed start does not necessarily have a European campaign. This statistic has something to make the most pessimistic think.
It remains to be seen whether Adi Hütter's current generation has the mental and technical resources of its glorious elders. Because beyond the figures, it is the reaction that will follow this Bruges slap which will determine the European future of Monaco. Can history repeat itself? Response in the coming weeks.
