Prince Albert II hails Monaco 3-1 Champions League win at Arsenal
Thursday 26 February 2015 12:25, UK
Monaco's shock Champions League victory at Arsenal on Wednesday night has been given the royal seal of approval.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, who was at the Emirates Stadium in person to witness the principality club's 3-1 triumph, was surprised but nevertheless thrilled by the result.
"It's a historic night. Everything went wonderfully. We saw a very determined, well organised AS Monaco side," he told asmonaco.com.
"I never thought that one day I'd see the scoreboard at the Emirates Stadium read 3-1 to AS Monaco. It's the kind of game that gives you hope for the end of the season and for the future."
A 25-yard deflected effort from Geoffrey Kondogbia put Monaco ahead on 38 minutes, before striker Dimitar Berbatov crashed in a second after the break.
Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbed Arsenal a lifeline in stoppage-time, but Yannick Carrasco slotted Monaco's third moments later as the desperate Gunners went in search of an equaliser.
Berbatov felt the victory was richly deserved but called for caution, claiming there was still work to be done in the second leg in three weeks' time to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
"We showed we're a good young team," the Bulgarian said. "We fought, we won our battles and we scored three goals. So I think we deserve this success against Arsenal.
"There's still one match left to play and nothing's decided yet. Arsenal are still Arsenal."
Midfielder Nabil Dirar echoed Berbatov's sentiments the tie is far from over, adding: "We're still not through to the quarter-finals yet.
“We have to stay focused and especially not underestimate this Arsenal side."
Monaco return to Ligue 1 action on Sunday against Paris Saint-Germain bidding to win their fourth consecutive match in all competitions.
