AS Monaco face Gornik Zabrze in Europa League opener
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco begin their European campaign on Thursday against Polish side Gornik Zabrze, with the second leg scheduled for 27 August.
AS Monaco open their European campaign this Thursday against Gornik Zabrze, a Polish top-flight club based in the industrial city of Zabrze in Silesia. The tie is the first competitive European fixture of Monaco's 2026-27 season, with the return leg at the Stade Louis II set for 27 August.
Gornik Zabrze are not widely known to French or Monégasque supporters, but the club carries genuine pedigree in Polish football, having won the league title multiple times across their history. Their home ground has a reputation for a fervent atmosphere, and they have been building under new direction since early 2026.
One French connection worth noting: Yvan Ikia Dimi has been at Zabrze since the start of 2026 and offers an unusual inside perspective on a club Monaco will need to study carefully before the second leg. With the aggregate score from Thursday's first match shaping the tie, Monaco's coaching staff will be watching the Polish side's tactical setup closely.