The Stade du Roudourou felt intimate after the grandeur of Madrid—its capacity of barely eighteen thousand was so close to the pitch that individual conversations drifted to the touchline. October's Atlantic breeze swept across Brittany, carrying salt air and the promise of rain that had delayed kickoff by fifteen minutes.
Monaco's warm-up showcased the tactical adjustments Demien had prepared. Givet's overlapping runs contrasted sharply with Ibarra's more conservative approach, while Plašil's positioning in midfield opened new angles for Alonso's distribution. These subtle changes would go unnoticed by opponents until they truly mattered.
As Guingamp emerged from the tunnel, they exuded the desperate energy of a team fighting relegation. Their supporters—vocal despite their modest numbers—created an atmosphere that belied the stadium's size. Drums echoed from the main stand, and banners criticized the club's ownership, demanding greater commitment.
