Monaco and Juventus played out a gripping game at the Stade Louis II in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, with the Italian side pulling off a classic away victory.
The 2-0 win was a result which some observers might have predicted, given Juventus’ superior defence and experience, although Monaco’s high-octane attack gave hope that the youthful side might be the first to truly test Juventus. It was not to be.
In the midst of an engrossing game, here are three things you may have missed.
THIERRY HENRY WATCHES TWO FORMER SIDES DO BATTLE
Thierry Henry will forever be known for his time at Arsenal, where he became a club legend and had the most successful period of his career. However, before joining Arsenal, Henry had played for both of the sides facing off on Wednesday.
Henry began his career at Monaco, where his displays as a precocious youngster convinced Juventus to splash the cash. The Frenchman struggled in Turin, and Arsene Wenger, previously Henry’s manager at Monaco, rescued him by bringing him to Arsenal. The rest, as they say, is history.
But clearly both Monaco and Juventus still hold a place in Henry’s heart, and the legendary striker was in attendance to watch a fascinating contest.
NOT ONE, BUT TWO MBAPPES
With Kylian Mbappe’s displays this season, sometimes it’s hard to remember that the Monaco striker is still only 18 years old. His on-field maturity certainly belies his youth.
But the home leg against Juventus gave Mbappe a chance to just be a kid revelling in the moment, and, to make the evening truly special, he wasn’t the only Mbappe taking to the pitch at the start of the game.
Monaco’s star striker walked out with younger brother Ethan, 11, who served as a team mascot ahead of kick-off.
FRANCE V ITALY: THE FASHION BATTLE
Apart from the football pitch, the fashion world is the battleground where France and Italy love going up against each other, and Monaco and Juventus have done their bit to represent their respective countries.
After Juventus showed up to the ground for training on Tuesday in smart, coordinated blue-and-black outfits, Monaco decided they’d try to one-up their counterparts ahead of Wednesday game, arriving to inspect the pitch in chinos and cardigans with red elbow patches.
Who won? We’ll let you decide.