Football matches between Monaco vs Estrella Roja (Crvena Zvezda) have recently transformed from occasional European meetings into a legitimate tactical rivalry. If you’ve been following the 2024–2026 European cycles, you know these two don't just "play"—they collide. Whether it's the glitz of the Stade Louis II or the deafening "Marakana" in Belgrade, the atmosphere is always thick. Honestly, most people look at the scorelines and think they see the whole story. They don't.
The 2024 Champions League Demolition
Let's go back to October 2024. Monaco was on an absolute tear, and Estrella Roja walked right into a buzzsaw. The final score was a brutal 5-1. Takumi Minamino was the star that night, bagging two goals and looking like he was playing a different sport.
But here’s the thing: it wasn't just about the goals.
Monaco controlled 70% of the ball. They didn't just win; they suffocated the Serbian side. Breel Embolo was a physical nightmare for the Belgrade defenders, and Wilfried Singo’s long-range strike was the kind of goal you usually only see in video games.
Estrella Roja had their moments early on. Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty to make it 1-1, and for about fifteen minutes, it felt like we had a game. Then Monaco just... shifted gears.
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January 2026: The Recent Narrow Escape
Fast forward to just a few days ago, January 15, 2026. Different year, same intensity, but a much closer result. Monaco managed a 2-1 victory in a match that was significantly more competitive than their previous blowouts.
This game was pivotal for the Group G standings. Monaco entered the match with a massive confidence boost from their Ligue 1 form, while Estrella Roja was desperate to capitalize on their home-turf reputation.
- The Set-Piece Factor: Monaco opened the scoring through a perfectly executed set-piece.
- The Serbian Resilience: Unlike the 5-1 collapse, the Belgrade side stayed disciplined.
- Tactical Nuance: Monaco’s passing accuracy was noticeably higher, which basically allowed them to kill the game off in the final twenty minutes.
It’s kinda fascinating how much the gap has narrowed. Estrella Roja has been working on their defensive structure, and it showed. They limited Monaco’s clear-cut chances, but the "Monaco efficiency" was the tiebreaker. They don't need ten chances to score twice.
The Basketball Cross-Over: EuroLeague Drama
You can't talk about Monaco vs Estrella Roja without mentioning the hardwood. These two clubs aren't just football rivals; they are EuroLeague staples.
In November 2025, we saw a classic in Belgrade. Crvena Zvezda took down Monaco 91-79 in front of nearly 20,000 fans. Ognjen Dobric went nuclear, scoring 22 points. Mike James, usually the most dangerous man on the court for Monaco, was held to 18 points on a night where his shooting was just a bit off.
Head-to-Head Stats (The Hard Numbers)
If you’re a stats nerd, the recent history is a bit lopsided in football but a total toss-up in basketball.
- Football (Last 3 Meetings): Monaco has won all three, outscoring Estrella Roja 10-2.
- Basketball (EuroLeague 2025-26): They’ve split their recent games, with home-court advantage being the deciding factor.
- Top Scorers: For Monaco (Football), it's Takumi Minamino and Breel Embolo. For Estrella Roja (Basketball), it's Ognjen Dobric and Codi Miller-McIntyre.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
A lot of casual fans might overlook this fixture compared to a Real Madrid or a Manchester City game. That’s a mistake. This is where the real European grit happens.
Monaco represents the modern, high-investment, tactically fluid side of Western European football. Estrella Roja is the "old guard" of the East—historic, fiercely supported, and capable of making any visitor feel like they've stepped into a lion's den.
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When they met in the Europa League back in 2022, Kevin Volland scored a hat-trick. People forget that Estrella Roja actually won a game against them in Belgrade back then, though it was a tight 1-0 affair. The history is richer than a simple Google search might suggest.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
If these two meet again in the knockout stages or the next group cycle, keep your eye on:
- Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco): He’s the creative heartbeat now. His goal in the 90+7 minute of that 5-1 game wasn't just a "stat padder"—it showed he plays until the whistle.
- Andrija Maksimovic: Although he recently made a big move to RB Leipzig, his influence on the Estrella Roja system during the 2024-2025 campaign set the blueprint for how they play now.
- Aleksandar Katai: He remains the veteran leader for the Serbian side, even as younger talents come through the ranks.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Estrella Roja is just a "tough" team. That’s a lazy take.
Under Vladan Milojević, they’ve become much more tactically flexible. In the recent 2-1 loss to Monaco, they didn't just sit back and park the bus. They actually matched Monaco’s intensity in the midfield. Rade Krunic and Timi Max Elšnik have provided a level of composure that was missing in previous years.
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Monaco, on the other hand, isn't just about flair. Their defensive line, led by Thilo Kehrer and Wilfried Singo, has become surprisingly mean. They don't mind winning ugly. That 2-1 win on January 15 was an "ugly" win, and those are the ones that win trophies.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following Monaco vs Estrella Roja for the rest of the season, here’s what you need to do:
- Check the Venue: Monaco is nearly unbeatable at the Stade Louis II in this fixture, but the goal margin shrinks significantly when they travel to Belgrade.
- Watch the First 15: Monaco tends to score early against Serbian teams. If Estrella Roja survives the first twenty minutes without conceding, the "Under" on total goals becomes a very interesting play.
- Monitor the Injury Reports: Monaco’s recent form has been hampered by a few ACL injuries to key players like Minamino (late 2025) and Salisu. This has forced them to rely more on their bench depth.
- Basketball Hedge: If you're betting on the EuroLeague games, always look at the "Total Points Over." Both teams love a fast-paced transition game.
Both clubs are currently fighting for domestic dominance—Monaco trying to chase down PSG and Estrella Roja locked in a fierce battle with Partizan. The physical toll of these European nights often spills over into their weekend league games. Keep that in mind before you assume they'll blow out their next domestic opponent.