In front of Prince Albert, and in a crowded room where the gauge had exceptionally risen to 3,000 spectators, Monaco put on an excellent show against Real Madrid.

Confident after four consecutive successes in the competition, Sasa Obradovic's men have matched the Spaniards both athletically and technically.

The Madrid bench, notably Gabriel Deck and Jeffery Taylor, made the difference in the second extra time.

But the Monegasques, who will travel to Athens to challenge Panathinaikos on February 1, have shown that we have to reckon with them in the race for the play-offs.

After quickly conceding five points (0-5, 2nd), the Monegasques very quickly tightened their defensive sector to offer themselves a 9-0 (9-5, 5th) and thus lead the score throughout the first quarter. (18-16, 10th).

Led by a combative Donatas Motiejumas, performing on the rackets, the Monegasques even regularly managed to push their opponents after the regulation 24 seconds of possession.

As during the second quarter, the defensive pressure of the formation of Sasa Obradovic did not drop, and as the Americans Dwayne Bacon and Alpha Diallo were skilful, the score rose to +8 for the Monegasques (27-19 , 15th).

But Real Madrid are not leaders of the Euroleague for nothing.

The orientations of the French leader Thomas Heurtel, but above all the skill of the Spanish veteran Sergio Llull (7 points in three minutes) and the cunning of his compatriot Rudy Fernandez allowed the White House to pitch without sinking.

To pick up, then pass in front just at halftime (34-35).

-Revolt led by James-

Upon returning from the locker room, it was another Frenchman from Real who stood out.

In five minutes, Guerschon Yabusele scored eight points (two three-point shots, two free throws) and showed his advantage on the rebound.

Result: 40-46 (24th), and up to -8 for Monaco (41-49, 25th).

But it was written that, in front of Prince Albert, La Roca Team was not going to be defeated without giving everything.

As usual, Mike James, an exceptional three points followed by a free throw sounded the revolt (45-49, 26th).

Then Danilo Andjusic followed suit with two consecutive three-point baskets, to give Monaco a point lead before the home stretch (57-56, 30th).

From very physical, the meeting then also became very electric.

If Llull set fire to the powder, the third Frenchman of Real, the pivot Vincent Poirier, showed that he could be a powerful pillar for his team.

His duel with Motiejunas was intense.

For a long time the score remained at 61-60 for Monaco.

For a long time, the defenses of the two formations were relentless.

And then, Bacon took action: five points and a defensive rebound to give his team a significant advantage (66-60, 38th).

But not decisive, since Fernandez, with an award-winning shot, offered extra time to Real (66-66).

Overtime remained very close until Taylor and Deck made the difference.

© 2022 AFP