MONACO (Kyodo) — Japan attacker Takumi Minamino hit a brace and set up another as Monaco eased past Crvena Zvezda 5-1 at home in the Champions League league phase on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old tied for most goals scored by a Japanese in the competition at four, having scored twice during his time with Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, as he moved level with former Borussia Dortmund attacker Shinji Kagawa.
“I want to add to it as many as I can,” said Minamino, named Player of the Match. “I’m happy (to tie Kagawa’s record) but will try not to get too excited and give my best again in the next game.”
Minamino opened the scoring in the 20th minute at Stade Louis II as he was left unmarked while staying onside to receive a pass from center-back Wilfried Singo before finding the bottom corner in a one-on-one with keeper Marko Ilic.
Cherif Ndiaye leveled for the Serbian visitors seven minutes later with a penalty but Breel Embolo put Monaco back in front right before halftime, Singo scored a wonder goal from 35 meters out in the 54th minute and Minamino tapped in Embolo’s pass in the 70th minute.
Minamino provided an assist for Maghnes Akliouche’s fifth before the final whistle as Monaco moved up to seven points from the opening three games, remaining unbeaten after 11 games in all competitions this season.
