Key Takeaways:
- AS Monaco defeated CSKA Sofia 2-1 in their UEFA Conference League opener
- Paris Brunner scored his seventh goal in eight appearances this campaign
- CSKA Sofia recorded their 22nd loss in 29 European group stage or league phase matches
Match Summary and Early Goals
AS Monaco began their UEFA Conference League campaign with a 2-1 triumph over CSKA Sofia, marking only their second victory in six encounters against the Bulgarian club. Monaco, who lead Ligue 1 under new head coach Filipe Luis, maintained their impressive start to the season by striking early in Sofia.
The match’s opening goal arrived inside three minutes, as Paris Brunner displayed impressive reaction speed in the penalty area. After Stanis Idumbo’s attempt was rebuffed, the Germany U21 international pounced on the loose ball and dispatched it into the roof of the net, bringing his tally to seven goals in eight appearances this season.
Nos Monégasques ramènent une 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞 de ce déplacement en Bulgarie ✅
1️⃣-2️⃣ #CSKAASM https://t.co/4jOKhtpjic
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) October 15, 2026
Monaco Extend Lead, CSKA Lack Threat
Despite CSKA Sofia’s own unbeaten run in domestic competition (W8, D3), the hosts were on the back foot for much of the first half. Monaco compounded CSKA’s struggles just before the break when Brunner broke through the defence and provided a squared assist for Ansu Fati, who calmly finished in the bottom-right corner. CSKA, meanwhile, went into the interval having failed to register a single shot on target.
CSKA had failed to score in only two of their previous nine home fixtures this campaign, both occasions occurring in UEFA Europa League qualifiers. The Bulgarian side’s offensive woes looked set to continue as Monaco controlled proceedings after half-time.
Late Response and Final Stages
The second half’s opening stages were routine for Monaco, prompting Filipe Luis to introduce a triple substitution to preserve key players ahead of the weekend’s league clash. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was largely untested until the 76th minute, when substitute Joel Zwarts, having been on the pitch for just over two minutes, headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit for CSKA Sofia and inject late excitement into the contest.
Despite the late push, the hosts were unable to find an equaliser. The result condemned CSKA Sofia to a 22nd defeat in 29 European group stage or league phase matches (W3, D4), underlining their challenges on the continental stage. Meanwhile, Monaco recorded their fourth away win in five matches, reinforcing their strong opening to the campaign.
