AS Monaco delivered yet another impressive performance on February 27, 2025, as they secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Reims at the Stade Louis II. This match not only marked another win for the team but also showcased the remarkable talent of young forward Mika Biereth, who scored both goals on the day.
From the outset, Monaco looked dominant, establishing control over the match with their aggressive attacking style. Biereth opened the scoring with his first goal at the 35th minute, converting from very close range after receiving a precise through ball from Caio Henrique. The young attacker doubled his tally shortly after, netting again at the 39th minute with another well-placed shot to the bottom right corner, assisted this time by Maghnes Akliouche.
Despite the triumph, Monaco's defensive weaknesses were evident, as they managed to concede chances throughout the match. Reims, for their part, have struggled this season but managed to create opportunities, indicating Monaco's defense remains vulnerable, having not kept a clean sheet for several matches. This thrilling encounter highlighted both Monaco's offense, bolstered by the talent of Biereth and the creative prowess of players like Takumi Minamino and Breel Embolo, and their need to address defensive inconsistencies moving forward.
On the other side of the news, Dmitry Rybolovlev, the owner of AS Monaco, recently received significant legal relief as criminal proceedings against him and his lawyer, Tetiana Bersheda, were annulled by the Monaco Court of Appeal. These proceedings, which stemmed from charges of corruption and influence peddling dating back to 2017, were deeply intertwined with other legal disputes involving Rybolovlev and Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier.
The annulment follows earlier rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled the basis for the investigation—a breach of phone privacy—invalid under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This decision has effectively cleared Rybolovlev and Bersheda of any wrongdoing. "Dmitry Rybolovlev and Tetiana Bersheda maintained their innocence and awaited the end of the case with confidence," stated their lawyers, Martin Reynaud, Thomas Giaccardi, and Jacqueline Lafont, after the court's ruling.
“They are totally and definitively cleared,” concluded the legal team's statement, reflecting the optimism surrounding Rybolovlev as he continues to oversee the club's growth amid the turbulence of his legal battles. With this relief, Rybolovlev can refocus on Monaco's development as they continue to build on their Ligue 1 campaign.
The juxtaposition of AS Monaco’s solid performance on the field and favorable legal outcomes off it reflects the positive momentum building for the club, providing both players and fans with hope for the future. Overall, the team's recent activities suggest they are not just competitive on the pitch, but also overcoming hurdles off it, paving the way for stability and growth.