For ninety minutes it looked as if AS Monaco would go into the next stage of the Champions League in a goalless draw in the second leg of the contest with Spain’s Villarreal, moving ahead on the basis of the 2-1 away win last week. But a brilliant last-minute goal from Fabinho, in the 90th minute of the game at Stade Louis II on Tuesday night, meant that Monaco won 3-1 on aggregate and with a clear victory in both games.

Monaco were the favourites for the night, and although injuries have taken their toll of ASM’s roster, Villarreal came into the game with the same problems on a bigger scale. ASM can be well pleased with the result, a boost for the home team in a gruelling month for the Principality’s players.