#4 Monaco* 1-1 Manchester United – 1997-98 Quarter-finals
‘Fergie’s Fledgelings’ were in full swing during the 1997-98 season as the soon to be legendary Manchester United side comprising of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers launched an assault at the European Cup. Ably led by veterans Denis Irwin, Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Cole, United had topped a tough group comprising of Feyenoord and eventual finalists Juventus.
Monaco, coached by French legend Jean Tigana weren’t minnows either. The Principality side had two young attackers in their midst – Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet, even though both were too young to be considered as the focal point of the team.
The first leg in France had ended goalless, giving Monaco the advantage of not conceding an away goal. But all United had to do was beat Monaco at Old Trafford and they would be through.
But trouble started before the match for United as Keane, Giggs, Schmeichel and Gary Pallister were ruled out and Sir Alex Ferguson had to substitute both Paul Scholes and Gary Neville before the end of the first half owing to injuries.
Monaco had already taken the lead by then - courtesy of a Trezeguet stunner from 20 yards. In the second half, Beckham would feed Ole Gunnar Solksjaer for the equaliser, but Monaco were still ahead on away goals.
A frantic end to the game saw Beckham and Sheringham testing Fabien Barthez at one end whereas Thierry Henry brought out a fine save from Raimond van der Gouw. In the end, Monaco held firm to edge through on away goals.
Their campaign would be ended by Juventus in the semi-finals, but Monaco had proved that they could hang with the big boys of Europe.
