The second half began with Monaco displaying immediate intent. Their passing was sharper and more vertical than the cautious probing that had characterized the opening period. Demien had clearly emphasized directness during the interval, playing through Deportivo's defensive lines rather than around them.
D'Alessandro's positioning changed subtly, with the Argentine operating in narrower channels, drawing Valerón away from his preferred zone between the lines. This tactical adjustment allowed Alonso to advance, and the Spaniard's distribution became increasingly influential as Deportivo's pressing lost its early coordination.
In the fifty-second minute, Monaco's pressure almost yielded immediate rewards. Rothen's cutback from the left found Morientes on the edge of the penalty area. The striker's first touch was perfect, and his shot seemed destined for the bottom corner until Molina's fingertips deflected it onto the post.
