Radamel Falcao hopes Monaco can take early step towards European qualification

Monaco skipper Radamel Falcao will approach Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Marseille as a Champions League qualification showdown.

The principality club will embark upon a new European campaign later this month after being pitched into a tough Champions League group along with Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge, while their rivals will play in the Europa League.

However, the sides which finished second and fourth respectively in Ligue 1 last season have a chance to stake an early claim on one of the three qualifying spots for next season.

Falcao told the club’s official website: “Against Marseille, it’s a derby, it’s a direct rival for the podium. We will give everything to win the three points.

“These are two strong teams fighting for the Champions League. There will be 90 minutes of intensity, of struggle and especially a good level of football.

“We are on a good run against them, but all matches are different. It will be another story Sunday. Both teams will play for the win.

“I hope we are going to have a great season, to live memorable moments.”

Monaco welcome Marseille to the Stade Louis II looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Bordeaux.

Teenager Pietro Pellegri had cancelled out Francois Kamano’s 48th-minute penalty, but Kamano struck again in added time to hand the home side their first points of the campaign.

Monaco could include new signing Nacer Chadli, who joined the club from West Brom on Thursday.

Chadli said: “I hope to bring my experience to the team. I am 29 years old and I have known a lot of things in my career. I think I can help young people grow.”

Marseille arrive having had to come from 2-0 down to rescue a point at home to Rennes last weekend and sit ninth in the table, above Monaco’s opponents on goal difference.

They have since signed Holland midfielder Kevin Strootman, a £22.7million capture from Roma, and winger Nemanja Radonjic from Red Star Belgrade.

Radonjic said as he was unveiled at a press conference: “I came to OM to give the most in training and matches to win more trophies and help the club progress.

“Regarding Sunday’s game in Monaco, I do not know if I will play, it will depend on the coach’s decision.”