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Folarin Balogun scored from close range in the 68th minute as Monaco defeated Galatasaray 1-0 in a UEFA Champions League fixture on Monday, though the French side found themselves outnumbered in their own stadium by thousands of visiting Turkish supporters.
The English striker converted following a corner kick sequence, tapping home after Thilo Kehrer's header was blocked at the six-yard box. The goal broke the deadlock in a tightly contested match at Stade Louis II, where Galatasaray's traveling contingent created an atmosphere more reminiscent of their Istanbul home ground than a neutral venue.
Monaco had earlier squandered a golden opportunity when Denis Zakaria's penalty was saved by Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir in the 50th minute. The spot kick was awarded after video review confirmed Davinson Sanchez fouled Takumi Minamino inside the penalty area, with the Colombian defender receiving a yellow card for the infringement.
Despite playing more than 1,800 miles from home, Galatasaray fans occupied significant portions of Stade Louis II, including sections designated for Monaco supporters. The principality's club had attempted to prevent Turkish fans from purchasing tickets in home sections and canceled some tickets after identifying Turkish buyers, but the efforts proved largely ineffective.
From the opening whistle, the yellow-and-red clad supporters maintained constant vocal support and whistled whenever Monaco players touched the ball. The unusual away support transformed the 18,523-capacity venue into what resembled a home match for the Turkish champions, who play their domestic fixtures at Rams Park in Istanbul.
Both sides created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the contest. Baris Alper Yilmaz struck the left post for Galatasaray in the 19th minute, while Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche forced a save from Cakir with a long-range effort shortly before the penalty incident.
The match was interrupted multiple times due to injuries. Cakir required treatment after a collision in the 60th minute but continued before eventually being replaced by Gunay Guvenc in the 68th minute. Monaco's Takumi Minamino also needed attention following the penalty foul, while Folarin Balogun departed late in the match for Mika Biereth.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk fielded a formidable attacking lineup featuring Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, and former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. However, Monaco's defense, anchored by Mohammed Salisu and Thilo Kehrer, largely contained the Turkish side's offensive threats despite sustained pressure.
The visitors made tactical adjustments in the second half, introducing Yunus Akgun for Gundogan in the 63rd minute and bringing on striker Mauro Icardi late in the match. Gabriel Sara came close with an 79th-minute effort from distance that narrowly missed the target, but Monaco held firm through seven minutes of added time to secure all three points.
The UEFA Champions League is Europe's premier club competition, featuring the continent's top teams competing in a league phase format before knockout rounds. Monaco sits in the French principality on the Mediterranean coast, while Galatasaray is based in Istanbul and represents one of Türkiye's most successful clubs with 24 domestic league titles.
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