First Half- Spanish Pressure

The first whistle pierced through Riazor's cauldron as 40,000 voices merged into a single roar. Deportivo moved the ball quickly from kickoff, their passing sharp and purposeful, immediately establishing the tempo they wanted to impose on Monaco's patient approach.

Valerón dropped deep to collect the initial pass, his first touch drawing applause from supporters who recognized his class. The Spanish playmaker turned smoothly, evading Alonso's pressing attempt, before switching play to the right flank, where Capdevila advanced with overlapping intent.

Monaco's defensive shape absorbed the early pressure with disciplined positioning. Evra tracked Capdevila's movement while Squillaci provided cover, the center-back's communication directing his teammates' responses to Deportivo's probing attacks.