AS Monaco play this Thursday in Sofia the very first match of their history in the Conference League. Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara, enjoying a full start to the season, arrives there as Ligue 1 leaders, deprived of Eric Dier and Folarin Balogun.
AS Monaco had never played in the Conference League. This Thursday 15 October 2026, the club from the Principality begin this adventure on the pitch of the Vasil Levski National Stadium, against CSKA Sofia. This fixture marks the opening of the 36th European campaign in the history of the Monégasque club.
Kick-off is set for 18:45 (French time), and the match is refereed by the Portuguese João António Ferreira Gonçalves, according to the official AS Monaco website. For this opener, Brazilian coach Filipe Luís has named an extended squad of 25 players (Football-Addict), which includes Senegalese international midfielder Lamine Camara.
Lamine Camara, a firm starter
At 22, Lamine Camara is, according to Foot Mercato and Lequotidien, a firm starter in the Monégasque system after a full start to the season. He is part of the 25-man squad announced by Football-Addict.
Monaco go into the game without two players. Defender Eric Dier is ruled out due to discomfort felt in a thigh, and American striker Folarin Balogun is not eligible for the Conference League (ASM by Stf). Captain Denis Zakaria, meanwhile, is present and available in the Monégasque squad (Football-Addict).
An unbeaten leader in Ligue 1
Before diving into the European adventure, AS Monaco arrive top of Ligue 1, unbeaten after six matchdays with 4 wins and 2 draws, according to Betclic and AS Monaco.
Opposite them, CSKA Sofia sit second in their league with 8 wins in 11 matches played (Betclic / AS Monaco). The Bulgarian club appointed coach Markus Gisdol on 29 September 2026 (ASM by Stf).
The memory of 1982-1983
Monaco and CSKA Sofia had not met since 1983. Their previous encounter dates back to the round of 16 of the 1982-1983 European Cup: after a 0-0 in Monaco, the Bulgarians qualified thanks to a 2-0 win after extra time in Sofia (ASM by Stf).
On the official AS Monaco website, Filipe Luís said: “We want to start this Conference League well, and we know how important it is to get a win first up, even if it will be difficult because we are facing a good team.” He added: “I don’t think we can be classed among the favourites for the final victory, because it is a difficult competition.”