AS Monaco made a splash in its debut Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season last year, as it made the playoffs after impressing against the most powerful teams on the continent. As it looks ahead to its second season in the competition, here are five games that Monaco and its fans will have their eyes on.
2022-23 Games to Watch: AS Monaco
Round 1: The EuroCup champs
The last two champions of the 7DAYS EuroCup will meet when Monaco plays against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Monaco won that competition in 2021 and Virtus did so last season. Aside from that spicy fact, their duel could have a major impact on which of those two teams remains in the EuroLeague the following season, so expect great intensity when these teams clash.
Round 5: A playoff rematch
The last ticket to the 2022 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four went to Olympiacos Piraeus, but only after it survived a five-game slugfest against Monaco. Each team won on the road and lost at home in a thrilling series that left fans wanting more, making every meeting between them this season must-watch basketball. Monaco will be determined to exact a bit of revenge when the two teams meet at Peace and Friendship Stadium on October 27.
Round 12: Facing Real Madrid
The Round 23 meeting between Monaco and Real Madrid was one of last season’s most exciting games. Monaco led by six points with two minutes left in regulation before Real rallied to force overtime. Nothing could separate them after five more minutes, and it took a second overtime period before Real prevailed 84-90. Monaco will be motivated to beat Real for the first time.
Round 24: The best of the French League
The giants of French basketball clash many times every season, and it’s always a little extra special in the EuroLeague. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Monaco went head-to-head in a thrilling French League finals last season, while their first EuroLeague meeting was decided by a half-court buzzer-beater. All signs point to more drama.
Round 31: More Zalgiris thrills?
Monaco’s first two EuroLeague games against Zalgiris Kaunas only whetted the appetite for more. The road team won in exciting fashion each time. First, Monaco rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime en route to a 98-107 victory in Lithuania, as Mike James set a club record with 14 assists. Then, Lukas Lekavicius scored the game’s last four points as Zalgiris edged Monaco 82-83 at Salle Gaston Medecin. What will be in store this season?