Paris, Apr 08: For Monaco hero Ludovic Giuly, downing Real Madrid was a "miracle." "Fantastique!" gushed sports daily L'Equipe. Next up in Monaco's amazing European adventure - Chelsea, London.
"I've always been told it's a pretty city," said Monaco striker Dado Prso, who's never been. "Now, we'll see."
Even the weighty Le Monde newspaper ran a photo of Giuly on its front page today, with the headline: "Monaco's exploit, which eliminated the stars of Real Madrid." TV replayed Guily's two goals and a third by striker Fernando Morientes over and over, as France savored the 3-1 upset that sent Monaco into the Champions League semifinals.
Most had doubted that coach Didier Deschamps' principality side could make up the 4-2 deficit conceded in Madrid in the first leg march 24. "Mission impossible" had been L'Equipe's front page headline yesterday, before the epic encounter.
Monaco's drive for the French league title has faltered in recent weeks. Just four days before they dug deep last night to beat the overwhelming pre-match favourite Real, Deschamps' players had struggled to a 3-3 draw domestically with lowly Ajaccio. While still top of the French table, their lead over defending champions Lyon is a slim one point.


And the team has battled financial difficulties. Last year, it was relegated to the second division by the French professional league for failing to prove it could control spiralling debts - but was reinstated to the top flight on appeal.

Bureau Report