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Monaco’s Final Dress Rehearsal: Getafe Test Before Euro Playoffs
Monaco’s Final Home Warm-Up: Getafe Visit Offers Clues Before Real Games Begin
The Big Picture: One Last Test at Home
AS Monaco are getting ready for the real stuff. Before the competitive season kicks off, they have one final high-profile friendly at their home stadium, Stade Louis II. This Thursday night, they welcome Getafe CF from Spain.
Important Context
A year ago, Monaco’s only home pre-season game was against Inter Milan (last season’s Champions League runners-up). Monaco lost 2-1. That night also marked:
- Lukáš Hrádecký’s debut in goal
- A wonder goal from Maghnes Akliouche
- Paul Pogba’s first presentation to Monaco fans
This time around, the opponent is Getafe—who finished 7th in La Liga last season. It’s a different kind of test, but an important one.
Why This Game Matters: The Checklist
Here’s what makes this friendly more than just a kickabout:
- Timing is everything – The match comes two weeks before Monaco’s first real competitive game: the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off.
- Coach’s first competitive match – This will be Filipe Luís’s first official game in charge (the Brazilian took over as head coach this summer).
- Measuring stick – Getafe are a well-organized, physical Spanish side. How Monaco handle them will show where the team really stands.
All Eyes on the New Guy: Matthis Abline
Who is he?
- New signing from Nantes
- Cost: €25 million + €5 million in potential bonuses
- Role: Striker
- Status: The "face" of Monaco’s summer rebuild
What happened last week?
Abline was rested for the 2-2 draw against Cercle Brugge last Friday. The coaching staff wanted him to keep working on his fitness.
What’s new?
He completed his first full training session with the group on Wednesday. That means he could make his Monaco debut Thursday night.
The Big Tactical Puzzle: How Will Filipe Luís Use Him?
This is the question everyone is asking. Monaco’s preferred formation is still taking shape. Here are the main options:
| Option | What It Looks Like | Key Question |
|---|---|---|
| Two strikers (4-4-2) | Abline + Mika Biereth up front | Can they combine well? |
| Golovin drops back | Aleksandr Golovin moves from "second striker" to the wing | Does this unbalance the midfield? |
| Something new | A shape we haven’t seen yet | Is the coach saving surprises? |
Key Watchpoint
Abline’s contribution both with and without the ball will be scrutinized. Modern strikers need to press, link play, and score.
What the Coach Saw Last Time (And Didn’t Like)
Filipe Luís was honest after the Cercle Brugge draw: he wasn’t satisfied. Two main issues stood out:
- Attacking cohesion – The team lacked fluid combinations going forward. It looked disjointed.
- Defensive vulnerability – They looked open to counter-attacks when they lost the ball.
Thursday is a chance to show fixes for both.
Tale of Two Pre-Seasons: Monaco vs. Getafe
| Aspect | AS Monaco | Getafe CF |
|---|---|---|
| League start | August 20 | August 20 |
| Coach continuity | New coach (Filipe Luís) | José Bordalás since 2023 |
| Training camp | England (Aug 8–14) | Done (near Alicante, Spain) |
| Prep status | Still building | Further along |
Getafe arrive with more rhythm and stability. Monaco are still assembling the pieces.
Summary: What to Watch For Thursday
- Abline’s debut – Minutes, movement, link-up play
- Shape & system – 4-4-2? 4-3-3? Something fluid?
- Defensive solidity – Can they handle Getafe’s physicality without getting caught on the break?
- Attacking patterns – Do combinations look sharper than vs. Cercle?
- Golovin’s role – Wing? Pocket? Hybrid?
This isn’t just a friendly. It’s a dress rehearsal with two weeks until the curtain rises for real.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
When is the match and where can I watch?
The game is Thursday night at Stade Louis II. Check Monaco’s official channels or local listings for broadcast details.
Why was Abline rested last week?
Purely for fitness management. He’s building match sharpness after his transfer. The club wants him 100% ready for competitive games.
What is the UEFA Conference League play-off?
It’s a two-legged knockout tie (home & away) to reach the group stage of Europe’s third-tier club competition. The first leg is in two weeks.
Who is Filipe Luís?
The new head coach. A former Brazil & Atlético Madrid left-back. This is his first senior managerial role. Thursday’s friendly is his last tune-up before his first competitive match.
How good are Getafe?
They finished 7th in La Liga last season—solid, organized, hard to beat. Coach José Bordalás is known for disciplined, physical teams. A great test for Monaco’s progress.
Enjoy the game! The real season starts soon.
