AS Monaco fall to Bayer Leverkusen in final group stage outing
The Reds fielded a rotated squad in Germany after securing their knockout stage berth, losing 3-0 in their final Champions League group match.
Leonardo Jardim took the opportunity to give fringe players valuable European experience as AS Monaco concluded their Champions League group campaign with a defeat in Germany. Having already secured top spot in Group E and guaranteed their passage to the knockout rounds, the Portuguese manager made significant changes to his starting eleven.
The rotated squad put in a respectable performance against Bayer Leverkusen despite the 3-0 scoreline suggesting otherwise. With the pressure off and qualification already assured, this match served as an ideal testing ground for squad players who have had limited opportunities in the competition.
The result will have little impact on Monaco's European ambitions, with the club now able to focus on preparing for the last 16 draw. Jardim's decision to rest key players ahead of upcoming domestic fixtures demonstrates the luxury of having wrapped up their group with matches to spare.