Henry thrilled with Monaco's fighting spirit and Badiashile heroics during cup win

They fell behind in the match and in the shoot-out, but Les Monegasques prevailed to reach the Coupe de la Ligue semis, much to the manager's delight

Thierry Henry was pleased to see his side display their battling qualities as they edged into the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue.

Monaco fell behind at Stade Louis II on Wednesday as netted on the half-hour mark, but the home side pulled level through Rony Lopes shortly after the break.

The game finished 1-1 and, in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Monaco found themselves at a disadvantage when Youri Tielemans failed with their second kick.

But goalkeeper Loic Badiashile proved the hero - saving three Rennes efforts before dispatching the winning kick himself as Monaco prevailed 8-7 and advanced to a last four that will be missing Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon after their shock exits at the hands of Guingamp and Strasbourg respectively.

"It was difficult for both teams. Rennes had the opportunity to win and so did we. Loic's match was extraordinary and not just during the penalty session," Henry said.

"It's been a long time since we had so few opportunities in a game. For a long time, we couldn't find players in the spaces and the opportunity to play between the lines.

"What particularly pleased me tonight is the attitude of the players who have always tried to improve.

"We conceded a goal and we reacted. I liked it, and it's very important. The fans saw a team who fought.

"It is always a satisfaction as a coach to see on the pitch what we have been working on in training. We will not give up. There has been work done, and work that remains to be done."

Monaco return to action and their battle to avoid relegation when they travel to on Sunday.

Henry's men are in 19th place at the moment, five points from safety after a disastrous first half of the 2018-19 campaign.

Monaco have managed to win their last three games in cup competitions and supporters will now hope they can translate that form into their upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures.