Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario delivered an exceptional performance to secure a valuable Champions League point against Monaco. The Italian goalkeeper, who has faced criticism this season, was central to his team’s survival in a tough evening at Stade Louis II, where Spurs struggled to find rhythm.
Vicario produced a series of crucial stops in the first half, denying Folarin Balogun on three occasions and stretching to turn away a powerful strike from Maghnes Akliouche.
Despite being under heavy pressure, Tottenham still created a rare opening when Micky van de Ven’s header narrowly missed before the interval.
Second-half saves preserve Spurs’ unbeaten start
After the break, Monaco continued to dominate, but Vicario refused to be beaten. He once again frustrated Akliouche and Balogun before pulling off an outstanding reflex save to block Jordan Teze’s close-range header.
Takumi Minamino also spurned several clear chances, allowing Thomas Frank’s men to escape with a hard-fought draw.
It was a night that showcased Tottenham’s defensive resolve rather than attacking flair, with Vicario standing out as the decisive figure.
Frank’s team held but maintain steady record
The visiting supporters voiced their frustration late on as Spurs slowed the pace, reflecting the unconvincing nature of their display.
Monaco were the stronger side for long periods, and Tottenham’s head coach will know improvements are needed if his team are to progress in the competition.
Apart from Van de Ven’s early chance and a brief glimpse from Richarlison, Tottenham rarely threatened the home defense and appeared content to settle for the result. Randal Kolo Muani was introduced from the bench but made little impact in limited time, as Spurs again offered little in attack.
Positives amid a poor away performance
This fixture followed a similar pattern to their earlier trip to Bodo/Glimt, where Tottenham also had to fight back for a point.
Although far from convincing, the draw means Frank’s side remains unbeaten after three group matches — two of them away from home — matching a record last achieved in 2017-18.
It was an uninspiring performance overall, but with Vicario’s heroics ensuring another result, Tottenham continues their campaign without defeat despite their struggles on the road.
