Daunting trip for Monaco duo

By Matthew Spiro

AS Monaco FC centre-halves Gaël Givet and Sébastien Squillaci are preparing for a difficult evening as they take on an RC Deportivo La Coruña side still looking to exact revenge for last season's 8-3 defeat in the Monte Carlo.

Permutations
The French club know that victory in Spain will guarantee them a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, while a draw will suffice if Liverpool FC fail to beat Olympiacos CFP, or even a defeat if the Greek side lose by three goals or more at Anfield.

Impressive partnership
The stakes may be lower for Deportivo who are certain of finishing bottom of Group A but Givet and Squillaci, who have formed an impressive partnership at the back for both France and Monaco this season, still expect Javier Irureta's team to be motivated. "A special rivalry has developed between Monaco and Deportivo," Givet told uefa.com. "They'll be keen to stop us going through."

'Chance for revenge'
Monaco's stand-in captain believes the Deportivo players will have not forgotten last season's humiliating defeat. "It's not the sort of result you forget in a hurry," said the 23-year-old. "We beat them again at home this season [2-0 on Matchday 2], but this is the first chance they've had to get revenge in front of their own supporters." Squillaci agreed with his team-mate, saying: "The fact that they're playing Monaco will give them extra motivation. They'll do everything they can to regain some lost pride."

Good spirits
Monaco go into the game in good spirits, having broken their run of nine league matches without a win by defeating Stade Rennais FC 2-0 last Friday. "The atmosphere is much more relaxed," Givet observed. "It had been such a long time since we last won in the league, the run was obviously weighing on us. Since Friday we've been able to concentrate on the Deportivo game with more calmness."

Sloppy goals
The Monaco back four, which comprises three French internationals and one Brazilian, was on the receiving end of much recent criticism after conceding a series of sloppy goals. But Monaco have kept clean sheets in their last three matches and Givet believes they have rediscovered their early-season solidity. "We're defending better as individuals and as a team," he said. "All successful sides are built around a solid defence and while I'm still not sure what was going wrong, we seem to be back on track now."

Imperious form
The mystery was all the more intriguing given Givet and Squillaci's imperious form for France this season. The pair are yet to concede a goal in the four internationals they have played together and Squillaci said: "I feel comfortable alongside Gaël and we enjoy playing together for Les Bleus. But it's not easy to keep your level high when you play so many matches and as soon as you drop off either mentally or physically, you pay the price."

Big-match experience
Squillaci believes the experience that he, Givet and left-back Patrice Evra have gained playing for France helps them in big games such as tonight's. "We're getting used to the big occasions," said the 24-year-old. "These days we know what to expect from a side like Deportivo, whereas last season we were entering into the unknown. But I wouldn't class myself as an experienced player. It's only my second year in the Champions League."

Sufficient grounding
Squillaci is nevertheless experienced enough to take nothing for granted at the Riazor. "Even though the stadium's unlikely to be full we're expecting a tough game," he said. "The most important thing will be to keep it tight at the back, particularly in the first 20 minutes, then hopefully we'll get the result."