Monaco provided the essentials during this first European phase within a rather tough pool, which brought together the reigning champions of Hungary, Serbia and Turkey.

But due to a failed match in Trabzon (0-4) and, above all, a home defeat against Ferencvaros (0-1), Philippe Clement's men lost first place, although accessible, at the special goal difference in favor of the Hungarians (10 points each).

In the play-offs of the competition, the team from the Principality will face a team transferred from the Champions League, whose identity will be known on Monday during the draw.

She will move on February 16 on the ground of her opponent, before receiving it on February 23.

ASM owes its qualification to a game controlled almost from start to finish - with the exception of the start of the second half - against the Belgrade club and a Kevin Volland in great shape.

Author of a hat-trick, the German international finally seems to be rid of his ankle problems.

The physical deficit of his right-backs, Vanderson and Ruben Aguilar, had forced Clement, who has not departed from his current four-man defense, to establish Axel Disasi in the position.

Well he took it.

Monaco was imperial in defense in the first period.

As in all areas of the field elsewhere.

Almost perfect halftime

Kevin Volland (d) congratulated by a teammate after scoring his 3rd goal for Monaco against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on November 3, 2022 in Monaco Valery HACHE AFP

The Monegasques dug a substantial gap in less than half an hour thanks to two goals from Volland.

The German first hit with his head following a perfect curled cross from Caio Henrique, author of an excellent first period (1-0, 5th).

Then he was served by Krepin Diatta, receiving another flawless ball from Caio Henrique and then well helped by defender Nemanja Milunovic.

From the right, Volland rolled up quietly in the small net (2-0, 27th).

If Monaco led 2-0 at the break, the gap could have been greater, as the difference in level with the champions of Serbia was so obvious.

But in turn Diatta (9th), Volland (10th and 24th), Ben Yedder (13th) lacked realism.

American basketball players from Monaco, Mike James and Jordan Loyd, who also receive the Red Star in the Euroleague on Friday, appreciated the lesson of their football counterparts.

Especially since, as soon as the resumption, Milan Rodic took over against his camp a cross from Aleksandr Golovin (3-0, 50th).

The Serbs then believed in their ability to come back, after a penalty converted by Guelor Kanga following a failed tackle from Benoît Badiashile in his area (3-1, 54th), then a goal from Pesic, finally refused for offside (68th).

But the Monegasques managed to manage.

And on a final counter, Ismail Jakobs served perfectly behind Volland, who was quick to make a success of his evening (4-1, 87th) and bend the match.

© 2022 AFP