UEFA Champions League Last 16: An early header from Brazilian centre back Alex helped PSV Eindhoven to a crucial 1-0 first-leg win over Monaco in their first appearance in the Champions League knockout stage last night.

Alex rose unchallenged to powerfully nod home the excellent Mark van Bommel's eighth-minute corner to give the home supporters in the 32,500 attendance something to cheer about.

It was a rare highlight in an otherwise dull encounter.

In the first half both sides laboured on a slippery surface, caused by snow before the match, and the French team's midfield especially struggled to link the play to their strikers as they frequently resorted to the long ball.

After 25 minutes Van Bommel found Johann Vogel in a good position on the edge of the penalty area, but his hurried shot went wide.

In the opening period of the second half Monaco looked more threatening, but it was Eindhoven defender Andre Ooijer who had the best chance to double their lead after 56 minutes, only to blaze over the crossbar from a good position.

Didier Deschamp's Monaco, beaten finalists last year, then created their first real chance when Emmanuel Adebayor found the previously isolated forward Javier Saviola, but the Argentinian's shot was always rising.

The second leg will take place in Monaco on March 9th.

PSV: Gomes, Ooijer, Lee, Alex, Bouma, Van Bommel, Park, Cocu, Vogel, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Farfan (Beasley 52). Subs Not Used: Zoetebier, Addo, Bogelund, Lucius, De Jong, De Pinho. Booked: Vogel. Goals: Alex 8.

MONACO: Roma, Evra, Maicon, Rodriguez, Givet, Plasil, Bernardi, Zikos, Kallon, Saviola, Adebayor (Nonda 82). Subs Not Used: Audard, Modesto, El Fakiri, Perez, Farnerud, Gigliotti. Booked: Rodriguez.

Referee: L Cantalejo (Spain).