AS Monaco extended their unbeaten run to the season by opening their Europa Conference League campaign with a win over CSKA Sofia (1-2) on Thursday night.

Monaco raced into the lead in Bulgaria thanks to a goal from the returning Paris Brunner. The German has been one of the breakout stars of the Ligue 1 season but missed last weekend’s draw to Toulouse (2-2) through suspension. Back on the pitch, he was back on the scoresheet within three minutes, finishing off a move that was initiated by another returning face, that of Takumi Minamino, who is easing his way back following last season’s ACL injury.

It wasn’t the prettiest of goals but the deflection from Stanis Idumbo’s initial effort fell fortuitously for Brunner, whose finish into the roof of the net was emphatic. The German had quickly found his range and went close to doubling his tally on the night, but from the edge of the box put a driven effort just wide of the far post.

A night for Monaco’s returning faces in Bulgaria

This was a night of reintroductions and it was then Ansu Fati’s turn to remind Monaco what they had been missing. The Spaniard’s move to Monaco from Barcelona was made permanent over the summer. However, injury had prevented him from featuring. In what was his first start, he was keen to make a mark. Fati did so with a left-footed effort from the edge of the box. It was another move involving the returning duo of Minamino and Brunner; the latter laid on the assist and Monaco were cruising. They would have been out of sight if Brunner had finished a much more presentable chance on the stroke of half time.

But this was a game that thereafter followed a familiar trajectory. Monaco took their foot off the accelerator at half-time against RC Lens but got away with it just before the international break. The same wasn’t the case against Toulouse. The Principality club were pegged back by Le TéFéCé over the weekend, despite returning to the dressing room with a two-goal advantage.

Luís dismissed “favourites” tag

There was less control and incision in particular from Filipe Luís’ side in the second half. Still, there was a greater defensive resiliance than over the weekend, despite the absence of Eric Dier, who missed out with some muscular discomfort.

It would nonetheless be another nervy finish for Les Monégasques. Joel Zwarts ensured that was the case with a sharp finish from one of CSKA Sofia’s many set-piece chances.  Monaco had 20 minutes to cling on and cling on they did. Not only does it extend Luís’ unbeaten run as Monaco manager to nine games in all competitions, it also that they begin a European campaign that holds great promise with an important away win.

Luís insisted pre-match that Monaco couldn’t be considered “the favourites”, but they have set out their stall early and must be considered as one of them. One of their opponents later in the League Phase, Brighton and Hove Albion, are another. “For me, it is a big win,” said the Brazilian, who continues to impress in the dugout. It is a win that extends what becomes an increasingly impressive unbeaten run, but more importantly, it ensures that a highly anticipated European campaign begins on a strong footing. A trip to a hostile Eastern European stadium is a significant hurdle to overcome. Others await.

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Photo source: AS Monaco